The Middle District of Louisiana is observing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, joining the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in efforts to combat human trafficking and support victims. The initiative focuses on intensifying operational efforts, raising public awareness, and strengthening partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited. Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said, “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us. The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on joint law enforcement efforts: “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country. The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.”
U.S. Attorney Wall added: “I am thankful that this President has made the prosecution and elimination of human trafficking such an important priority. Our office will continue to aggressively support that mission.”
President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159 in January 2025 directing the creation of Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide. These task forces aim to eliminate criminal cartels, gangs, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), as well as cross-border smuggling operations involving both adults and children.
Since January 20, 2025, several indictments have been secured by the Middle District of Louisiana:
– Maurilio Lazcano-Vargas (45), Zabdi Guzman-Diaz (40), both from Mexico; Edyn Efrain-Arevalo (52) from Guatemala were indicted for conspiracy related to sex trafficking offenses.
– Jesus Lopez (45), Zaira Lopez-Oliva (24), Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington (30), all Honduran nationals present without authorization in the U.S., were indicted on similar charges.
– Josmar Jesus Zambrano-Chirinos (25), a Venezuelan national present without authorization in the U.S., pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force.
If convicted on sex trafficking charges under these cases, each defendant faces at least fifteen years up to life imprisonment along with fines up to $250,000; they are also subject to deportation after serving any sentence.
Investigations are being conducted by multiple agencies including U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations; Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; with prosecutions led by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Warner, Stephen Vick; Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross; Alan Stevens; Benjamin Anderson.
In January 2026 DHS and DOJ increased resources dedicated toward anti-trafficking activities such as prioritizing ongoing investigations at dozens of federal locations—especially border states—and conducting victim recovery operations through coordination with FBI squads. Additional measures include partnership with AMTRAK for awareness campaigns using posters featuring QR codes for reporting suspected incidents inside stations or trains.
Efforts also include distributing funds recovered from illicit online platforms like Backpage toward restitution for victims as well as outreach events organized at educational institutions highlighting HSTF roles.
The HSTFs launched official operations nationwide on August 25th 2025 resulting in a “September Surge” which included more than 400 coordinated actions across the country over a period of 43 days leading to thousands of arrests—including members from Sinaloa cartel CJNG MS-13 Tren de Aragua—seizure of weapons currency narcotics totaling approximately $3.25 million dollars cash over ninety metric tons drugs.
