USA-IT Urges Legislative Action Against Illegal Trade Threats to Communities

Urgent Call to Combat Illegal Trade Threats

In a notable gathering during National Police Week, United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) convened over 75 leaders from law enforcement, policy-making, and industry sectors to address the growing menace of illegal trade that is fueling organized crime across the United States. With the global illegal trade estimated between $3 to $5 trillion, this summit highlighted not just the economic ramifications but the hazardous implications on communities and families.

According to Alysa Erichs, a spokesperson for USA-IT and former executive at Homeland Security Investigations, these crimes lead to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and counterfeit goods, all of which threaten the safety and hard-earned resources of American citizens. "Law enforcement needs better access to intelligence and stronger coordination across agencies to disrupt these operations before they reach our communities," Erichs emphasized, calling attention to the urgent need for improved strategies in dealing with cross-border criminal networks.

The 2026 National Summit underscored glaring gaps in coordination that often leave law enforcement agencies vulnerable. Acknowledging that criminal operations are not isolated but interconnected on a global scale, Timothy J. Cruz, District Attorney of Plymouth County and President of the National District Attorneys Association, stated, "Today's networks are agile, tech-driven, and cross-border. Tackling them requires stronger partnerships and the ability to build prosecutable cases that hold up in court."

To tackle these issues effectively, USA-IT has rolled out a comprehensive policy agenda. Among their key recommendations is the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), aimed at expanding federal resources while establishing a national coordination center to enhance intelligence-sharing and disrupt theft networks. Additionally, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) seeks to empower survivors of human trafficking by enabling them to clear criminal records, thereby facilitating their journey toward recovery and stability. The National Human Trafficking Database Act aims to establish a centralized data system that improves tracking and coordination of enforcement efforts across the country.

During the summit, experts highlighted how the implications of policy decisions resonate deeply within the local law enforcement context. Jay Kennedy, Head of Policy Engagement for Illicit Trade Prevention at PMI U.S., remarked about the direct consequences stemming from inadequate cooperation between private and public sectors. He urged lawmakers to recognize and address these gaps through actionable, bipartisan legislative measures that bolster coordination and transparency.

The alarming rise of organized retail crime affects not only businesses but also the average American consumer, with families losing an estimated $500 annually due to such crimes. At the same time, counterfeit merchandise results in losses of approximately $200 billion for U.S. companies each year, with these goods often falling short of safety standards.

As concerns about human trafficking continue to rise—demonstrating a staggering 78% increase in victim detection—USA-IT’s mission grows increasingly critical. The coalition's focus is on providing local officials and community leaders with valuable insights, training programs, and policy solutions to confront these escalating threats.

Founded in 2021 by Philip Morris International's U.S. branch, USA-IT unites an array of stakeholders, including law enforcement, industry authorities, and civic organizations toward a collective goal: to protect Americans from the hazards posed by illegal trade.

For more information and to learn how to get involved in combating illegal trade, visit USAIT.org.