In October 2020, DHS launched the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), which capitalizes on HSI’s operational expertise in human trafficking investigations and promotes a whole-of-government approach to combating these crimes.

The HSI-led CCHT includes 16 supporting offices and components and is the first coordination center for countering human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor.

In December 2022, CCHT was codified in the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, providing the Center with additional positions and a dedicated budget. CCHT created a strategic plan that aligns the operational support, training, victim protection, and strategic communication objectives of the Center and sets priorities and responsibilities for CCHT.

CCHT is comprised of four units:

1. Sex Trafficking Investigations Unit
2. Forced Labor Investigations Unit
3. Strategic Communications Unit, which includes the Blue Campaign and Partnership and Engagement sections
4. Programs Unit which includes the Victim Protection and Training sections

CCHT supports DHS by leveraging subject matter experts to support criminal investigations of forced labor and sex trafficking by coordinating intelligence and evidence-based strategies. The Center pursues new ways to detect, deter, and investigate human trafficking crimes while keeping the victim at the center of all that we do.

The CCHT remains committed to improving the delivery of victim protections, including victim-centered immigration benefits, the Continued Presence program for law enforcement, and outreach through training, nationwide public awareness, and screening tools. The Blue Campaign, recently aligned within the CCHT, conducts stakeholder engagement, creates outreach materials, and conducts training in to industry, aviation, colleges and universities, youth serving organizations, and campus and school resource offices.