The U.S. Department of Justice is facing big questions after suspending funding for organizations that help survivors of human trafficking, a decision that an investigation by Guardianleft thousands of victims in a situation of extreme vulnerability. Although Congress had allocated about 90 million dollars To that end, much of that money has not been distributed and more than 100 organizations have lost funding since October.
Accordingly GuardianThe reduction in funding has far-reaching effects that go beyond the publication of the files and photos of the investigation into the deceased Jeffrey Epstein.
According to the report, the cuts directly impacted shelters, housing programs, legal assistance and psychological support, which are crucial for people who have managed to escape exploitation networks. Human rights activists warned that the lack of resources puts survivors not only at risk of homelessness but also deportation, detention or renewed exploitation.
Kristina Roseformer director of the Justice Department’s Office for Crime Victims, called the situation “extremely irresponsible and perhaps even immoral” and noted that the funds were there but had not been allocated, even though the administrative procedures had already been completed.
“I can’t remember it ever taking this long for human trafficking funds to be granted,” Rose said Guardian. “It just doesn’t make sense because the money is there.”
How funding cuts impact human trafficking victim organizations
The concrete effects are reflected in organizations such as: Life connectionin New Mexico. The facility provided comprehensive support to between 40 and 50 survivors each year, with subsidized housing and legal support. After the expiration of two grants totaling $1.75 million Now only a much smaller number of people can visit it and for a shorter period of time. In addition, staff had to be reduced by almost half, including employees who also employed human trafficking survivors.
Similar cases are repeating themselves in different parts of the country. Street Grace, the YWCA of Kalamazoo and a housing association affiliated with a Reformed church in New Jersey reported that They had to turn away dozens of people seeking help. In some cases, families with children returned to homeless shelters, a situation that increases the risk of falling back into the circles of exploitation.
Who spoke out against the funding cuts and what did the Justice Department say about it?
The decision also triggered political reactions. Three senators expressed outrage and called on the government to immediately release the funds approved by Congress. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin said the move was consistent with the Trump administration’s longstanding practice of “ignoring funding appropriated by Congress to combat the most heinous crimes and threats to national security, including human trafficking.”
From the Ministry of Justice, a spokesman assured Guardian The The agency remains committed to both supporting victims and prosecuting those responsible.and explained that the process of making the funds available will begin in the coming weeks. However, organizations and former officials said similar statements were made months ago, without concrete results.
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