Noem Statement on Sex Trafficking Website Shutdown

Press Release

Rep. Kristi Noem today released the following statement after Backpage, a website known for facilitating human trafficking, was shut down by the U.S. Department of Justice:

"Children in South Dakota have been bought for sex over Backpage, and the website took pleasure in making money from it. We have worked for years to build awareness and put a target on this disgusting website's back. Certainly, our fight against trafficking is not over. Every 30 seconds a child is sold for sex -- sometimes online, sometimes not. But by shutting down what's believed to be the largest online market for children, we take a significant step in the battle to end trafficking. Our kids are not for sale."

In March 2014, Noem held her first anti-trafficking summit in Sioux Falls, launching what became a years-long effort to raise awareness about the occurrence of trafficking in South Dakota. In 2015, Noem pushed the House to pass the most comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation in a decade. The legislation included new tools for law enforcement and better support for survivors. In February 2018, Noem helped lead the House in passing the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, which would further expand opportunities for states and victims to bring cases against those who facilitate sex trafficking online. President Trump is expected to sign that legislation in the coming days.

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