Crisis in Puerto Rico

Human Trafficking and Sex-Based Violence Persist in Puerto Rico

By Ximena Rodríguez-López

Puerto Rico  - Human rights organizations have reported that women and girls in Puerto Rico remain at high risk of human trafficking and violence. Despite ongoing legislative efforts, activists argue that the island continues to struggle with enforcing protections and punishing offenders.

According to Amnesty International, human trafficking remains an underreported and largely unpunished crime in Puerto Rico. The organization has documented multiple cases in which women and minors were forced into commercial sexual exploitation, with little legal recourse. Reports indicate that trafficking networks often operate within urban areas such as San Juan and Ponce, taking advantage of economic instability and gaps in law enforcement.

In response to rising concerns, the Puerto Rican government has attempted to strengthen legal frameworks. In 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi declared a state of emergency due to sex-based violence, citing alarming femicide rates and widespread domestic abuse. The emergency declaration led to the creation of the Violence Prevention Committee, but data suggests that incidents of violence remain prevalent. According to local advocacy groups, at least 60 women were killed in acts of violence in 2023, with many cases involving intimate partner violence.

Efforts to combat trafficking and violence have included increased police training, educational campaigns, and the establishment of specialized task forces. However, enforcement challenges persist, with many cases going unprosecuted due to lack of resources and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Advocacy organizations, such as Proyecto Matria and Taller Salud, continue to push for stronger protection measures, increased funding for shelters, and better support systems for survivors.

Puerto Rico's geographic position and economic difficulties contribute to the persistence of trafficking networks. Authorities have identified key trafficking routes through ports and airports, particularly in San Juan, where illegal operations thrive in nightlife districts. Law enforcement agencies have made sporadic arrests, but convictions remain rare.

While the government has pledged continued action, human rights advocates stress the need for comprehensive legal reform and better victim support services to address the ongoing crisis of sex-based violence and human trafficking in Puerto Rico.