Governors unite to combat child trafficking as Biden expands border security measures

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a new anti-human trafficking partnership during a government meeting on February 1, 2022, aimed at addressing the alarming rise in child trafficking across the southern border. The governor emphasized the urgent need to secure the border to prevent the illegal trafficking of children, which he described as a humanitarian crisis.

Governor Lee highlighted the troubling trend of distributing trafficked children across the country without a comprehensive federal plan for their care. He criticized the federal government for placing the burden on states to temporarily house these vulnerable children without providing a clear strategy for their future, including education and permanent placement.

The meeting also addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human trafficking. While referrals for services dropped significantly in 2020, reports indicated a rise in online exploitation during the same period. Governor Lee noted that as the situation improves, there is an expectation for an increase in demand for services over the next 12 to 18 months as victims begin to seek help.

This partnership aims to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking in Tennessee and ensure that children are protected and provided with the necessary support. Governor Lee's commitment to this cause underscores the importance of collaborative action to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.