As 2026 FIFA World Cup matches prepare to bring millions of visitors to South Florida, the Miami-Dade County Human Trafficking Unit within the State Attorney’s Office is ramping up efforts to combat human trafficking, a crime officials fear could increase during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
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Miami will host seven World Cup matches, placing the region on a global stage. But alongside the excitement and economic boost, authorities say major international events can also attract traffickers looking to profit from vulnerable victims.
NBC6 spoke one-on-one with State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle about how her office is preparing.
Inside a secure and undisclosed location, a specialized unit directed by State Attorney Justin Funck stands ready to respond to trafficking victims seeking help.
“They’re kicked, they’re drugged, they’re raped, sometimes 20 times a week, seven days a week. It’s horrific,” Fernandez Rundle said.
The office’s human trafficking hotline — 305-349-7867 — is one of several resources officials hope victims and community members will use as crowds pour into the city for the tournament.
“So you can hope for not, but you got a plan for yes, right? So we’re ready,” Fernandez Rundle said.
Human trafficking involves forcing people into labor or sexual exploitation. Florida ranks third in the nation for reported human trafficking cases, and Miami-Dade County consistently reports the highest number of cases in the state, according to officials.
“They’re looking to sell children and young, mostly women, some boys, but they’re into getting the money at whatever cost,” Fernandez Rundle added.
In preparation for the World Cup, staff members are being trained to handle calls around the clock while investigators prepare undercover operations aimed at identifying traffickers and rescuing victims.
Officials say survivors brought into the program are given immediate support, including showers, clothing, food, shelter, and access to services designed to help them rebuild their lives.
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“We rescue a young girl, let’s say. She has nothing on her, and she’s dirty, and she’s tired, and she’s been beaten, and she’s been drugged,” Fernandez Rundle explained. “She comes here, she rests, she decompresses, and then she needs clothes because we’re going to try to get her back on track.”
Meanwhile, investigators are also strategizing for upcoming undercover operations.
Across town, Camillus House is also preparing for a potential increase in survivors seeking help during the World Cup.
CEO Eddie Gloria said large-scale events can create opportunities for exploitation.
“Unfortunately, there is just a rise in drug use or exploitation of humans who are gathering close to these things to try and either earn a living or in some cases some people are positioned or placed into those things to be exploited,” Gloria said.
Camillus House has also added more than 50 beds specifically for victims who may need emergency shelter and support.
Advocates are also urging the public to stay alert for warning signs of trafficking, including controlling behavior, older individuals accompanying much younger people, or situations where someone appears unable to speak freely.
“You might see control tactics where this person is deciding if that person can have a conversation with you,” Gloria explained. “The physicality of that couple shows you that maybe the man is trying to control how far she can go.”
Authorities emphasize that many trafficking victims cannot safely ask for help directly. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Scan the QR code above to reach the Human Trafficking hotline or call 305-FIX-STOP (305-349-7867).
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