Human trafficking involves controlling a person through force, fraud, or coercion to exploit them for labor or commercial sex.

Any commercial sexual exploitation of a minor (under 18) is considered trafficking under the law.

Traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and psychological manipulation to trap victims.

• Fear or anxiety: The person appears fearful, anxious, or nervous, particularly when discussing their living or working situation.
• Scripted or rehearsed responses: Answers sound memorized or prepared, as if someone told them what to say.
• Deferring to another person: The individual consistently looks to another person before answering questions.
• Disorientation or confusion: Appears unaware of their location, the current date, or where they are living.

• Signs of physical abuse: Bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries in various stages of healing. May have untreated injuries.
• Malnourishment or dehydration
• Poor hygiene or dental care
• Exhaustion: Shows signs of sleep deprivation or physical exhaustion beyond being tired.

Immigration: Visas specifically for trafficking victims, crime victims, and domestic violence victims that are a pathway to lawful permanent residence (green cards) and citizenship

Civil: Unpaid wages, other workers' rights claims

Criminal: Prosecution of traffickers, restitution orders, and a complete defense if a victim of trafficking is charged for any crimes committed that are tied to their trafficking situation