ICE and USF Partner to Better Support Trafficking Victims
When law enforcement finds a human trafficking victim, the clock starts ticking — and finding the right help fast can mean the difference between safety and more danger. A new deal between ICE and the University of South Florida is putting a powerful new tool in the hands of agents, social workers, and nonprofits across Florida. For immigrants who are victims of trafficking, this partnership could change how quickly — and how safely — they get help.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, getting help quickly can be very difficult. Finding the right organization, the right shelter, or the right medical care often takes too long — and that delay can put victims in more danger. A new agreement between federal law enforcement and a Florida university is trying to change that.
What the ICE–USF Agreement Does
On May 22, 2026, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — the federal agency that leads human trafficking investigations — signed a formal agreement with the University of South Florida's Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Lab, known as the TIP Lab. The agreement expands the use of a technology tool called the BRIGHT Project (short for Bridging Resources and Information Gaps in Human Trafficking). BRIGHT helps law enforcement officers, social workers, and nonprofit organizations quickly connect trafficking victims with services like safe housing and health care. Since launching in 2024, BRIGHT has been used by 145 organizations across Florida and has connected around 100 victims to vital resources.
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HSI special agents and victim assistance specialists will now use an expanded version of BRIGHT designed specifically for law enforcement needs. The goal is to make it easier for officers to find available help the moment they encounter a trafficking victim — because right now, it is often unclear what resources are available or who to call. The partnership also includes USF researchers who will study which response strategies work best, with the hope of building a model that other states can eventually use. Between October 2020 and October 2023, HSI's Victim Assistance Program helped 3,715 victims, including 2,044 children.
What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is a Trafficking Victim
- Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in multiple languages. You do not need to be a US citizen to call.
- Know your rights. Trafficking victims — regardless of immigration status — may qualify for special protections, including a T visa (a visa specifically for trafficking victims that can lead to a green card). Lawyers recommend asking about this option as soon as possible.
- Do not be afraid of ICE. HSI's stated approach is victim-centered, meaning their priority is to help you, not to deport you. However, immigration lawyers strongly recommend speaking with an attorney before making any statements to law enforcement.
- Ask about local organizations. Nonprofits and social service agencies — not just law enforcement — can connect you with housing, medical care, and legal help without requiring you to cooperate with a criminal investigation first.
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Trafficking victims have specific legal protections under US immigration law, including the right to apply for a T visa (Form I-914), which can provide lawful status and a path to a green card — but the application process has strict requirements and limited annual slots. If law enforcement contacts you as a potential victim, you are not required to answer questions without an attorney present, and invoking that right cannot be used against you in immigration proceedings. Anyone in this situation should consult an immigration attorney experienced in trafficking cases before signing any documents or making statements.