Executive Summary
- The DOJ has canceled the 2025 National Law Enforcement Training on Child Exploitation and implemented strict austerity measures on travel.
- Members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce report non-payment of annual grants, affecting personnel and equipment acquisition.
- Law enforcement officials warn that a lack of training hinders their ability to investigate sophisticated AI-driven grooming and exploitation techniques.
- Prosecutors state that requests for travel related to trial preparation and victim meetings are frequently denied under new “core mission” justification rules.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has implemented significant reductions in funding and training resources for law enforcement agencies dedicated to investigating and prosecuting child sex crimes under the administration of President Donald Trump. According to multiple prosecutors and law enforcement officials, these cuts include the cancellation of major training events and the withholding of annual grants, measures which they argue limit their capacity to combat child exploitation effectively.
A primary instance of these reductions is the cancellation of the 2025 National Law Enforcement Training on Child Exploitation, which was scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in June. Law enforcement sources stated that the annual event, which offers critical technical training on investigating online crimes against children, was axed without a clear explanation. An announcement on a related law enforcement association website confirmed that the event “has NOT received US DOJ approval.”
Federal prosecutors speaking on the condition of anonymity described new “austerity” measures enforced by the Justice Department. One federal prosecutor specializing in crimes against children noted that staff must now justify all travel for training, trial preparation, and meetings with victims as part of a “core mission,” with requests frequently being denied. “You don’t want to speak too loudly, because you just fear retaliation, and that’s a heavy hand to be dealt when you’re just trying to do your job,” the prosecutor said.
The impact extends to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, a national network of 61 agencies. Officers within the taskforce report that annual grants typically awarded in October have not been paid, leaving divisions without funding for essential personnel, software, and hardware. “We have had to make cuts, redo things, and go back to other funding sources to beg and plead for money,” a law enforcement official stated.
Investigators emphasized that the lack of training impedes their ability to keep pace with evolving threats, particularly the use of artificial intelligence by predators to groom and target children. A state prosecutor explained that the canceled conferences provided vital networking opportunities and instruction on handling complex digital evidence. “If you’re not getting the training, it impacts the investigations, especially for new investigators,” an ICAC officer added.
In response to inquiries, a Department of Justice spokesperson stated, “The Department of Justice can remain focused on two critical priorities at the same time: prosecute criminals who exploit children and ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.” However, the shift in priorities has drawn criticism regarding the potential risks to vulnerable children and the support systems for survivors.
Investigative Capability and Resource Allocation
The reduction in federal support for specialized units such as the ICAC taskforces represents a significant shift in the operational strategy for combating digital crimes against children. As criminal methodologies evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence and encryption, the cessation of regular, high-level technical training creates a potential knowledge gap for investigators. Furthermore, the financial strain on these task forces may delay the processing of forensic evidence and the identification of victims. From a judicial perspective, resource constraints that limit trial preparation and victim engagement can impact the efficacy of prosecutions. It is important to note that regarding the specific cases affected by these operational changes, all individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
