People who migrate into the United States (US) across the southern border are known to be at increased risk for trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or exploitation along the migratory route and are frequently set up for labor and sexual exploitation within the US. While existing evidence suggests the problem of TIP among migrant populations is pervasive, both the nature and extent of TIP among migrants crossing the border between Mexico (MX) and the US remains unknown. Available evidence examining the identity of victims and perpetrators, patterns of offending, and factors shaping TIP is limited, incomplete, and often based on limited or non-representative samples. Yet, a clear understanding of the prevalence and experiences of TIP in this population is needed to formulate a robust and effective response to the problem, in line with the US’s international and domestic commitments to prosecute traffickers and protect victims.
This research presents preliminary findings from a systematic evidence review exploring the existing literature on TIP to develop an understanding of the geographies, prevalence, and typologies of trafficking occurring for migrants to and across the US-MX border. Utilizing Boolean search strings, 816 documents, ranging from academic literature to government reports to media reports were pulled for initial analysis. The team identified 146 documents in Spanish and English that were then thematically coded. We identify points of vulnerability, policy implications, and linkages between trafficking discourses and governance strategies. Centrally, findings underscore the detrimental impacts of restrictive migration policy on TIP risks as well as identification. We find that the border focus drives resource allocation towards securitization practices and combined with a lack of cross agency/border cooperation invisibilizes TIP creating a climate of impunity. sources.
