Colorado is facing a significant challenge as preliminary data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) suggests that the state may break its record for human trafficking cases in 2025. This disturbing trend is not unique to Colorado but is indicative of a broader national issue that continues to put vulnerable populations at risk, particularly minors.
The preliminary figures released by the CBI indicate that there have been 110 human trafficking crimes reported in the state in 2025. If these numbers hold, they will eclipse the previous record of 107 cases set in 2023. It's important to note that these numbers could still rise due to the typical 30-day lag in data entry.
The persistent increase in human trafficking incidents places Colorado among the top states in the nation for such crimes. Data from the Commonsense Institute Colorado shows that, in 2023, the state ranked in the top ten for both the total number of human trafficking incidents and incidents per 100,000 residents, alongside larger states like Texas, Georgia, and Nevada. The FBI's 2024 report indicated that Colorado was 13th nationally in reported human trafficking offenses, with 88 incidents, marking the second-highest total on record for the state.
Analysts suggest that one of the reasons for the rise in reported cases may be due to improved recognition and reporting by law enforcement. Mitch Morrissey, a former Denver district attorney and criminal justice fellow with the Common Sense Institute, explained that authorities have become more adept at identifying trafficking cases that might previously have been categorized differently. He highlighted the ease with which investigators can encounter potential trafficking situations online.
In 2025, the majority of the human trafficking crimes reported in Colorado were related to commercial sex, with 79 percent of the cases falling into this category. The remaining cases involved involuntary labor. Historical data from the state, dating back to 2008, reveals that minors have consistently been disproportionately affected by these crimes, representing approximately 64 percent of victims annually. In 2025, 48 of the victims were under the age of 18.
The geographic distribution of human trafficking in Colorado is not uniform, with certain counties reporting higher numbers of cases. Adams County led the state in 2025 with 37 incidents, followed by El Paso and Denver counties, which each accounted for about 16 percent of the state's total. Morrissey noted that Denver's strategic location at the crossroads of Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 makes it a prime area for traffickers to exploit.
The CBI is tackling the problem with a multi-pronged approach that includes large-scale investigations, support for smaller jurisdictions, victim recovery operations, and community outreach programs aimed at educating law enforcement on recognizing indicators of trafficking. These efforts are designed to disrupt criminal networks and enhance support for victims.
While the rising numbers are alarming, officials stress that the increase may be partially attributed to better detection and reporting practices rather than a sheer rise in trafficking activity. Discrepancies between FBI and CBI datasets are generally minor and reflect differences in reporting timing and methodology.
As the data for 2025 continues to be finalized, Colorado's human trafficking figures could set a new and unfortunate record. State officials emphasize the importance of sustained vigilance, enhanced training, and coordinated enforcement efforts to reverse the trend and protect those most at risk.
