The government increased the number of victims identified, but protection efforts were inadequate. In 2018, there was a mass influx of Venezuelan migrants and refugees overstaying their visa and working illegally, which likely affected Curaçao’s efforts to combat trafficking. During the reporting period, the government conducted an increased number of immigration and law enforcement operations that led to the detention of undocumented individuals, many identified as potential victims. Authorities identified 44 potential victims (five in 2017): 16 potential victims of sex trafficking, 10 of forced labor, and 18 of both. Forty three of the potential victims identified were Venezuelan, and one was Jamaican. Assistance for victims was contingent on cooperation with law enforcement in the case against their traffickers. Eleven chose to assist law enforcement with investigations while authorities detained and deported 33 to their country of origin. Of the 11, nine received shelter and residency permits, and authorities deported two who withdrew their willingness to cooperate, despite expressing fear of reprisal and frustration over their inability to work. Through a separate administrative process, victims were eligible to apply for temporary work permits; however, many victims could not afford the cost. Front-line responders used standard operating procedures on victim identification and referral; however, it was unclear if detention facility staff received training on their use. The government did not operate any specialized shelters for trafficking victims; however, authorities provided some funding to NGOs and international organizations to assist victims in need of care. NGOs could host female trafficking victims in shelters for women victims of domestic violence, which restricted victims’ movements if authorities deemed their safety was at risk. During the reporting period, authorities reported placing victims who received temporary residence in short-term government-funded apartments since existing shelter facilities had reached maximum capacity. The government referred child victims of trafficking to guardianship councils for placement in boarding school or foster care; the government did not report how many children it identified or assisted. Authorities reported difficulty finding shelter services for male victims due to budget constraints. The government detained and deported identified victims who were in the country illegally and did not cooperate with law enforcement in the case against their traffickers for crimes traffickers compelled them to commit, including Venezuelans nationals.