They have vast means to prosecute sites like Backpage. As other articles have noted [1], the DOJ has refused to get involved in going after Backpage for years, which should be an outrage given the context.

The obvious conclusion is, it's all intentional. The DOJ has been told to stand down, so the SESTA pushers can build up a case for the need for new legislation, new levers of power & control over the Internet.

[1] "CDA 230 does not shield platforms from federal prosecution. The law very clearly outlines that exception to the liability shield, anticipating that crimes like child pornography and child exploitation would be prosecuted by the federal authorities. The US Department of Justice, for whatever reason, has not shown any inclination to pursue sites like Backpage."

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/14/16308066/sex-trafficking-...