AFPI Participates in Human Trafficking Roundtable

Chesterfield, VA — On Friday, June 26, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) convened a roundtable discussion at the Chesterfield County Jail in Virginia to examine the intersection of trafficking, addiction, and recovery, highlighting the need for America First policies that treat victims with dignity while addressing the root causes of exploitation and substance dependency.

Hosted through the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program, the discussion focused on how therapeutic, medical, and educational approaches can support individuals struggling with substance abuse, many of whom have been victims of human trafficking. The HARP program is designed to help repeat drug offenders achieve long-term recovery and stability by addressing both addiction and underlying mental health needs.

In addition to survivors of human trafficking and mental health specialists, roundtable participants included:

• Tony Pham, Senior Fellow for Homeland Security & Immigration, AFPI
• Andrew Pavoncello, Senior Policy Advisor for Homeland Security & Immigration and Anti-Human Trafficking Policy, AFPI
• Karl S. Leonard, Sheriff, Chesterfield County

“These discussions highlight what can be achieved when law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community leaders work together,” said Bob Unanue, AFPI Founding Board Member & Chair of America Combats Trafficking (ACT). “What we heard from survivors must drive how we identify victims, strengthen recovery efforts, and hold traffickers accountable.”

AFPI’s America Combats Trafficking (ACT) initiative focuses on preventing exploitation and strengthening law enforcement nationwide. The discussion made clear that traffickers routinely weaponize addiction to control victims, reinforcing the need for survivor-informed approaches to prevention, enforcement, and recovery.

To learn more about AFPI’s efforts to combat human trafficking, click here.