Santa Clara authorities target sex trafficking ahead of World Cup - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Cierra Morgan

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Santa Clara County law enforcement is gearing up to tackle sex trafficking as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. Inspired by successful efforts during the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, which resulted in the arrest of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 victims, including 10 minors, authorities are adopting a similar multi-agency approach for the World Cup. The event will bring millions of visitors to venues across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara hosting key matches. The task force, which includes 67 agencies from Sacramento to Monterey, has established a command center in Sunnyvale. This hub coordinates efforts between local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as non-profits like In Our Backyard and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Super Bowl operation also led to seizures of firearms and identified trafficking networks across 11 Bay Area counties. The World Cup presents unique challenges due to its global scale, with fans arriving from countries where laws and cultural attitudes toward sex trafficking vary significantly. To address this, the task force is planning outreach at airports, deploying billboard campaigns, and engaging foreign consulates to spread awareness internationally. However, sustaining such a coordinated effort after the event may be difficult due to funding constraints and staffing shortages. Looking ahead, Los Angeles will also host the 2028 Summer Olympics, further emphasizing the need for long-term solutions. The stakes are high, as these events bring not only economic boosts but also opportunities for traffickers. By learning from past successes and adapting strategies, Santa Clara County aims to protect vulnerable individuals and disrupt trafficking networks during major sporting events. This effort matters because it highlights the intersection of global events, law enforcement collaboration, and human rights. The World Cup’s international reach provides a platform to raise awareness about sex trafficking on a global scale while addressing the complexities posed by differing legal frameworks and cultural norms. By taking proactive steps now, authorities can set a precedent for handling similar large-scale events in the future.

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026