About the Section

Combatting the Dangers of International Human Smuggling, Trafficking, and Related Immigration Crimes

HRSP investigates and prosecutes complex international smuggling, trafficking, and related immigration offenses that undermine the integrity of our nation's borders and our national security. This work is largely centered on Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs).  A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security.  JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas.  JTFA targets the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. 

Prosecution of Domestic Human Trafficking, Forced Labor and Related Crimes

HRSP pursues investigations and prosecutions targeting those involved in domestic human trafficking and forced labor.  Prosecutors with expertise in these statutes work closely with Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and law enforcement agencies to streamline fast-moving trafficking investigations, ensure consistent application of trafficking statutes, and identify multijurisdictional trafficking networks.  The government has successfully prosecuted human trafficking crimes in agricultural fields, sweatshops, suburban mansions, brothels, escort services, bars, and strip clubs. Human trafficking crimes, which are defined in Title 18, Chapter 77, focus on the act of compelling or coercing a person's labor, services, or commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological, but it must be used to coerce a victim into performing labor, services, or commercial sex acts.

Ensuring Accountability for Human Rights Violations and Related Immigration Crimes

Where U.S. federal jurisdiction exists, HRSP seeks to prosecute persons who have committed atrocity crimes abroad under the federal criminal statutes proscribing torture, war crimes, genocide, female genital mutilation, and recruitment or use of child soldiers. The Section also prosecutes human rights violators under other statutes as appropriate, including U.S. criminal and civil immigration and naturalization laws in order to revoke U.S. citizenship or other legal status and obtain criminal penalties as appropriate.  HRSP is also part of a coordinated, interagency effort to deny safe haven in the United States to human rights violators, working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, among other agencies, to identify such individuals and prevent them from entering the United States.

Prosecution of International Violent Crimes

HRSP prosecutes certain other cases of crimes of violence committed abroad where U.S. jurisdiction lies, including crimes that fall under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA). In its MEJA enforcement work, HRSP coordinates and participates in investigations and prosecutions of individuals employed by or supporting United States military forces overseas who commit murder, sex crimes, and other federal felony offenses. Similarly, HRSP investigates and prosecutes cases involving violent crimes that fall under the Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States.

Interagency and International Work

HRSP is part of a coordinated, interagency effort to deny safe haven in the United States to human rights violators.  HRSP works closely with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, among other agencies, to identify such individuals and prevent them from entering the United States. HRSP participates in various domestic and international initiatives that pertain to its mission.  The Section works with other DOJ components and other federal agencies to enhance the security of the United States.