Kidnapping is a completely separate crime. Sometimes we see narratives conflate crimes like kidnapping or smuggling as trafficking but the statutory elements are substantively different.

The NYT has been egregious in reporting on trafficking experiences lately. It’s truly fucking ridiculous.

oh! Also—to your point of this source, you are right in that there usually has to be interstate (or multi-state) financial implications for it to rise to federal jurisdiction. Just want to acknowledge that, but you can be charged federally for trafficking.

It’s also important to note that there is a non-exhaustive list of activities that can be a part of the trafficking experience including transportation, but it’s not restricted to that.

If the victim is under the age of 18, the legal theory and understanding is that they cannot meaningfully consent to commercial sex work. That’s why terms like “child prostitute” are improper in these cases and are generally avoided when discussed in the movement.

Great question! So the guiding statute that defines sex trafficking specifically is under 18 U.S.C. § 1591. Application breaks down to is the victim a minor, or if the victim is over the age of 18, was the victim engaging in commercial sex due to force, fraud, and/or coercion.

While it is true that there is a federal law focused on interstate travel (The Mann Act), the primary guiding federal statute for human trafficking as a crime is under the TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000). This statute defines both sex and labor trafficking as crimes.

As an attorney with expertise in anti-trafficking work, this is incorrect.

History requires deep, extensive research a lot of that research will end up not being directly relevant. You won't know that until you get in it. Research isn't just pulling a doc with all the answers, it's finding connections, it's understanding what's *not* being said, it's knowing context.