Congressionally Directed Spending Secured to Strengthen ICAC Task Forces Nationwide
Congressional directed spending has officially passed, providing $12 million in additional funding in 2026 to 19 Internet Crimes Against Children task forces across the United States. This critical investment will significantly strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
ICAC task forces serve as the front line of defense against technology-facilitated exploitation, investigating cases that increasingly involve encrypted platforms, cloud-based storage, and emerging technologies. As reports surge and cases grow more complex, ICACs require sustained federal investment to expand investigative capacity, modernize digital forensic tools, and coordinate effectively across jurisdictions. Congressional directed spending will directly support those efforts.
“This funding represents a meaningful investment in the professionals working every day to protect children,” said Jennifer Dunton, Executive Director of Raven. “ICAC task forces are facing unprecedented demand, and these resources will translate into greater investigative capacity, stronger technological capabilities, and faster responses when children are at risk.”
Raven led the national effort to secure this congressionally directed funding, coordinating closely with ICAC task forces and congressional offices throughout the application process. Under Dunton’s leadership, Raven worked to ensure each participating task force had the guidance and support needed to access available resources and successfully navigate the federal funding process.
The passage of this funding reflects a growing recognition by Congress that protecting children online requires both policy leadership and sustained investment in the professionals tasked with enforcing the law. As technology continues to evolve, continued support for ICAC task forces remains essential to preventing abuse, holding offenders accountable, and safeguarding children nationwide.
Raven extends its gratitude to Congress and to the House and Senate offices that championed these earmarks and demonstrated a strong commitment to child protection:
Sen. Murkowski – Alaska
Sen. Boozman – Arkansas
Rep. Bera & Sen. Schiff – California (Sacramento)
Rep. Soto – Florida (Central)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz – Florida (South)
Rep. Carson – Indiana
Sen. Kennedy – Louisiana
Sen. Slotkin – Michigan
Rep. Onder – Missouri
Sen. Fischer – Nebraska
Sen. Shaheen – New Hampshire
Rep. Watson Coleman & Sen. Kim – New Jersey
Rep. Ross – North Carolina
Rep. Brown – Ohio
Sen. Mullin – Oklahoma
Sen. Rounds – South Dakota
Rep. Burchett – Tennessee
Rep. Crockett – Texas (Dallas)
Sen. Capito – West Virginia
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT
Brenna Pitman
Director of Development
Brenna@raven.us