The dark side of mega sports events: Tri-state officials brace for potential World Cup human trafficking spike
Officials say traffickers follow opportunity, moving victims where demand is expected to rise, using highways and hotels to operate across state lines. This has law enforcement and advocates bracing for a spike in New York City, Westchester County and Connecticut, too.
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The World Cup is expected to bring crowds, cash and global attention to the tri-state, but anti-trafficking advocates and law enforcement officials are warning about the darker side of mega sports events - the potential for a spike in human trafficking.
Brianna Keys, the Human Rights director for the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee, says that with billions in projected economic activity, officials are also preparing for bad actors looking to profit.
“We know that historically, human trafficking increases around mega sporting events,” she says. "Raising the public consciousness about the issue is our greatest prevention tool."
The concern stretches beyond New Jersey.
Officials say traffickers follow opportunity, moving victims where demand is expected to rise, using highways and hotels and even short-term rentals to operate across state lines.
This has law enforcement and advocates bracing for a spike in New York City, Westchester County and Connecticut, too.
"We know traffickers use major highway systems, so Connecticut, being a transit state, we anticipate we'll see an increase," says Jamie Manirakiza, executive director of PEHT.
Police in Stamford say they are preparing as well, scanning websites and chat rooms for buyers while stepping up education.
"The way we prepare is to educate people in the community, educate our officers," says Stamford Police Department Lt. Jerry Junes.
Survivors say awareness is critical since the public often misunderstands what trafficking looks like and where it happens.
Gina Cavallo is a survivor who says she was trafficked in multiple states, including New Jersey.
"I was sold over and over to the highest bidder," she says. "I was hoping to die. I couldn't trust anybody. I knew that I was just trapped in this hell."
She eventually escaped and now works with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
She wants people to understand the scope of the problem.
"It's out of control, and it's happening everywhere," she says.
If you have a trafficking-related concern, reach out to Tara Rosenblum here.
Catch up on the Turn To Tara's yearslong investigation into human trafficking across the tri-state here.
MORE:
Trafficking in the Tri-State: Rooms Without Rescue
Trafficking in the Tri-State: The Next Front
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Click here to see complete News 12 coverage
