---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 2421"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "2421"
heading: "Transportation generally"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/2421"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 117 — Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity and Related Crimes"
---

# §2421. Transportation generally

- (a) **In General.—** [Whoever](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-1) knowingly transports any individual in [interstate or foreign commerce](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-2), or in any Territory or Possession of the [United States](/usc/18/229F.md?p=9), with intent that such individual engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any [person](/usc/18/229F.md?p=5) can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
- (b) **Requests To Prosecute Violations by State Attorneys General.—**
  - (1) **In general.—** The [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) shall grant a request by a [State](/usc/18/31.md?p=a-9) [attorney general](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) that a [State](/usc/18/31.md?p=a-9) or local attorney be cross designated to prosecute a violation of this section unless the [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) determines that granting the request would undermine the administration of justice.
  - (2) **Reason for denial.—** If the [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) denies a request under [paragraph (1)](#b-1), the [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) shall submit to the [State](/usc/18/31.md?p=a-9) [attorney general](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) a detailed reason for the denial not later than 60 days after the date on which a request is received.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 114–22, title III, § 303, May 29, 2015, 129 Stat. 255.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 2421, act June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 812; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, § 47, 63 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 99–628, § 5(b)(1), Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3511; Pub. L. 105–314, title I, § 106, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2977, related to transportation of individuals generally, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 114–22, title III, § 303, May 29, 2015, 129 Stat. 255.