Human trafficking is a hidden crisis that devastates lives. Often described as modern-day slavery, trafficking involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for sex or labor. While it thrives in secrecy, the data and survivor testimonies reveal its presence in communities large and small. Illinois lawmakers, advocates, and survivors are working to expose this crime and strengthen protections for victims.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Illinois has reported over 10,000 trafficking signals since 2007, leading to thousands of identified victims. In 2024 alone, the hotline received 792 signals from Illinois, resulting in 385 identified cases and 627 victims. Of those victims, 83 were minors and 289 were adults, with the majority being women.
Sex trafficking remains the most common form, often occurring in hotels, illicit massage businesses, and online platforms. Labor trafficking is also prevalent, particularly in industries such as construction, hospitality, and domestic work. Illinois’ central location, with major highways, airports, and railroads, makes it a hub for traffickers moving victims across state lines.
For years, Illinois faced criticism for inadequate support for trafficking survivors. In 2024, Shared Hope International gave Illinois an “F” grade for its response to child sex trafficking, citing gaps in victim services and over-reliance on criminalizing survivors.
But in 2025, Illinois made significant progress. Legislation that State Representative Tom Weber helped pass, the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act (SB 2323), was signed into law, mandating trauma-informed training for law enforcement, expanded screening for youth in state care, and coordinated services across agencies. As a result, Illinois’ grade improved from “F” to “A”, a dramatic turnaround that reflects the state’s commitment to survivors.