The Trap (2018)
In 2018, The Guardian released an investigative documentary titled “The Trap” that delves into the dark underbelly of America’s domestic sex trafficking industry. This powerful film sheds light on the alarming role played by the criminal justice system in enabling human traffickers to exploit incarcerated women.
The documentary uncovers a disturbing reality: prisons and jails across 11 states have become recruiting grounds for sex traffickers. These criminals prey on vulnerable women, targeting them while they are behind bars and trafficking them into pimp-controlled prostitution. The film follows the harrowing stories of these women, trapped in a cycle of exploitation and incarceration.
Annie Kelly, a journalist at The Guardian and editor of the Modern Slavery in Focus series, spearheaded this year-long investigation. She interviewed over 20 trafficking survivors, correctional officers, convicted sex traffickers, law enforcement officials, and lawyers. Their testimonies corroborated the shocking reports of how prisons and jails facilitate the recruitment of victims.
The documentary provides unique access to locations in Florida, Massachusetts, and Illinois. It exposes the fault lines in the criminal justice system that leave incarcerated women vulnerable to exploitation. The film captures the struggle of those trying to protect these women from falling under the control of human traffickers.
John Mulholland, editor of Guardian US, emphasizes the gravity of the issue. He calls the abuse of the criminal justice system in America a grotesque phenomenon—one that perpetuates the trafficking of women. The Guardian’s commitment to shedding light on untold stories led to the creation of “The Trap,” a vital narrative that demands attention.
Supported by Humanity United, this documentary is directed and produced by Annie Kelly and Mei-Ling McNamara. Through their lens, viewers witness the heartbreaking reality faced by incarcerated women and the urgent need for systemic change. “The Trap” serves as a wake-up call, urging society to confront the hidden horrors that persist within our justice system
