Guardian Group: 2025 Impact Report
In 2025, Guardian Group identified 102% more victims of sex trafficking than in 2024 and reached a milestone we had never achieved before: identifying victims in all 50 states. Behind every number is a person, and each identification represents a moment where someone was seen and a path to freedom became possible.
While trafficking continues to grow across the United States, so does our ability to respond. By refining workflows, strengthening expertise, and using technology to move faster and more efficiently, Guardian Group expanded what was possible this year. This year, Project 1591 volunteers outpaced our internal analyst team, reinforcing a hopeful truth: when people are empowered to act appropriately, progress accelerates, and lives are changed.
Help Us Continue the Fight in 2026
Victims Identified
533
victims identified in all 50 states and in 155 cities in 2025.
1544
Victims have been identified since the program began in 2018.
Law Enforcement Support
In 2025, Guardian Group added 39 new law enforcement agency partners, a 15% increase from the previous year. Each partnership represents a deeper commitment to equipping officers with real-time, validated information and ongoing analytical support.
This growth reflects steady, intentional momentum. As demand for our support continues to rise, we remain focused on scaling responsibly, expanding our analyst capacity to ensure every agency we partner with receives the level of expertise, responsiveness, and care required to combat trafficking and support victims effectively.
Active U.S. Law Enforcement partners in 34 states.
Project 1591 Volunteer Force
261 Certified Volunteers
Highlighted by the red states and located in 18 additional countries
Last year, we welcomed 74 new Project 1591 volunteers, significantly expanding the reach of our work. Together, these certified volunteers outpaced our internal analyst team in victim identification, an extraordinary milestone for the program and a testament to the power of dedicated community members.
Identifying minors who are being trafficked is exceptionally challenging. Yet in 2025, Project 1591 volunteers identified more minors than ever before, helping surface some of the most vulnerable victims and ensuring critical information reached those positioned to act.
We are deeply grateful for the effort of these volunteers and are excited to carry this momentum into 2026.
Operation IFAST
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12IFAST Certified Companies
highlighted by the orange states and an additional 108 companies in the process, represented by the blue states
In 2025, Operation IFAST trained 1,658 internet service providers to recognize and report signs of sex trafficking, equipping frontline teams with the knowledge to make a real difference. In the last quarter alone, 9 companies completed IFAST Certification, including: AVS Broadband, Alliance Communications Cooperative, Chariton Valley Telephone, LNE Communications, LTE Connect, Marne & Elk Horn Telephone, Spencer Municipal Utilities, Tri-County Communications Cooperative, and WRT.
Through the support of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, ACA Connects, multiple state associations, and partnerships with companies including Calix, Pivot, Pioneer Wordsouth, and Vantage Point, Operation IFAST has expanded nationwide. These collaborations are transforming the broadband industry into a powerful ally in the fight against trafficking, helping protect vulnerable communities across the country.
Help Us Hire an Analyst—Now.
Our growing volunteer force is outpacing our team, and we need another analyst ASAP to review cases and support law enforcement. Become a monthly donor and help us protect more victims today.