Under the direction of the President, the Seal and Repel mission was launched to secure the southern border and prevent human trafficking, illegal immigration, and other transnational crimes. This mission is guided by several executive orders and national security presidential memoranda, including:
At this direction, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its operational component, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), by providing mission-enhancing capabilities to secure the border and stop the flow of human trafficking, illegal drugs, contraband, criminals, and immigrants who entered the country illegally. USNORTHCOM's mission-enhancing support enables CBP to conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently and to support DHS efforts to manage border security and immigration processes.
The mission and mandate of the Department of War (DoW) is to seal and repel:
The mission focuses on the three D's: detection, deterrence, and detention.
Combating human trafficking: A national priority
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for forced labor or commercial sex. It is a global issue that transcends borders, threatening national security, public safety, and human dignity.
The porous nature of the southern border made it a hotspot for human trafficking activities. Criminal organizations exploit weaknesses in border security to smuggle victims into the country, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering.
In the U.S., human trafficking has been declared a national priority, with the government taking decisive action to combat this crime and protect its citizens.
The role of training in combating human trafficking
The Combating Trafficking in Persons Program Management Office (CTIP PMO), responsible for coordinating the DoW efforts to prevent human trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and assist in the protection of victims of human trafficking, has long partnered with the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) platform to develop and deliver specialized training courses. JKO works with CTIP in the development of mission-critical, creative and engaging training courses and resources. These CTIP trainings provide an overview of trafficking including signs of trafficking, key policies and procedures, and the proper reporting procedures for suspected cases, with each training tailored to specific needs of DoW populations to support their duties and missions.
.
The most recent addition to the CTIP training catalog aligns with the current administration's commitment to combating trafficking at the southern border and executive orders to that effect.
“Seal and Repel: Border Security to Prevent Human Trafficking”
This course provides critical insights into how human traffickers exploit the southern border and the measures being taken to combat this issue. Key topics include:
- Understanding human trafficking: The course explains the legal definitions of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
- Signs and indicators: Participants learn to identify common signs of human trafficking victims and survivors, enabling them to respond appropriately.
- Distinguishing human trafficking from human smuggling: The course clarifies the differences between these two crimes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing victims of trafficking.
- Reporting requirements: Military personnel are trained on standard procedures for reporting suspected trafficking incidents or victims, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations.
-
The training also documents 30 of the largest cases of sex trafficking and labor trafficking involving foreign national victims and perpetrators. It highlights the various methods traffickers use to breach the border, including land, sea, air, and vehicle-based crossings. The course emphasizes the importance of operational control of the southern border, including the deployment of physical barriers and personnel to deter and prevent illegal activities.
Call to Action
Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands our collective attention and action. The Seal and Repel: Border Security to Prevent Human Trafficking course is a vital tool in the fight against this crime, equipping DoW personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and report trafficking incidents.
“We see this training as first and foremost a prevention project. By sealing the border and repelling illegal aliens we are preventing foreign national human traffickers from gaining access to the U.S., and from forming and strengthening criminal networks that exploit vulnerable human beings,” said Linda Dixon, director, CTIP PMO.
As we continue to confront this national crisis, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us. By leveraging the power of training, technology, and collaboration, we can make significant strides in combating human trafficking and securing our borders.
Find this and more…
Learn more about the department’s efforts to combat trafficking at the CTIP website where you will find many resources including the animated map on the homepage.
Additional training resources including a standalone version of the seal and repel training course is available on the DOW CTIP website at CTIP/Training.
JKO is proud to partner with CTIP in this fight. Together we can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. For more information on the seal and repel course and other training opportunities, visit the JKO website.
For additional assistance, personnel can contact the JKO help desk 757-203-5654 -js.jko.helpdesk@mail.mil or their unit training coordinator.