‘Won’t tolerate it’: Officials warn of trafficking risks as World Cup crowds head to Miami

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected for the upcoming World Cup, Miami law enforcement has made combating human trafficking a priority.

On Friday, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said officials are preparing for an unprecedented surge in international tourism and criminal exploitation risks tied to the historic event.

“We are now expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors that we’ve never really experienced as a community,” Fernandez Rundle said. “We have ramped up our efforts even more.”

She said authorities have already conducted multiple proactive undercover operations targeting sex traffickers and buyers, with more planned in the months leading up to the tournament. Officials said six operations were carried out just this week, with roughly two dozen more expected before the World Cup concludes in Miami.

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“You may remember just a few weeks ago, we arrested 15 predators,” she said, describing an operation in which suspects allegedly paid in advance for sex with minors. “What they didn’t know was they were never going to get to those minors. Instead, we got them.”

The State Attorney’s Office said the broader effort includes expanded human trafficking awareness campaigns across Miami-Dade County, involving local governments, universities, and private-sector partners.

Companies and organizations participating in the outreach include American Airlines, Uber, and hospitality and tourism groups such as the Florida Hotel and Restaurant Association, along with other corporate and civic partners contributing billboard space, kiosks, and educational materials.

Officials also plan a visible presence at FANFest events and increased messaging at Miami International Airport and seaport facilities, including flyers, QR-code hotline information, and digital billboard campaigns similar to those used during major events in 2020.

“We want everyone to come, enjoy our beautiful community, enjoy themselves,” Fernandez Rundle said. “But don’t even think about buying or selling our children, our youth, or young adults.”