Trafficking vs. Smuggling
Human Trafficking is defined as:
Human Smuggling is defined as the
• s  ex trafficking in which a commercial importation of people into the United
States involving deliberate evasion
sex act is induced by force, fraud,
of immigration laws. This offense
or coercion, or in which the person
induced to perform such act has not includes bringing illegal aliens into the
United States as well as the unlawful
attained 18 years of age; or
transportation and harboring of aliens
•  the recruitment, harboring,
already in the United States.
transportation, provision, or
obtaining of a person for labor or
These are not interchangeable terms
services through the use of force,
fraud, or coercion for the purpose of •   Smuggling is transportation-based
subjection to involuntary servitude, • T   rafficking is exploitation-based
peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Report Suspicious Activity:

1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423)
www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign

 Trafficking Indicators

 Is the victim in possession of
identification and travel documents; if
not, who has control of the documents?
 Was the victim coached on what to say
to law enforcement and immigration
officials?
 Was the victim recruited for one purpose
and forced to engage in some other job?
 Is the victim’s salary being garnished to
pay off a smuggling fee? (Paying off a
smuggling fee alone is not considered
trafficking.)
 Was the victim forced to perform sexual
acts?
 Does the victim have freedom of
movements?

 Has the victim or family been threatened
with harm if the victim attempts to
escape?
 Has the victim been threatened with
deportation or law enforcement action?
 Has the victim been harmed or deprived
of food, water, sleep, medical care, or
other life necesities?
 Can the victim freely contact friends or
family?
 Is the victim a juvenile engaged in
commercial sex?
 Is the victim allowed to socialize or
attend religious services?

Report Suspicious Activity: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423)

www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign

BC-IC1-xx 07/14