Limiting the threat of human trafficking

Advocates want to get the ball rolling now to curb the threat of human trafficking as New Jersey takes center stage in the summer of 2026 for the FIFA World Cup.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host several World Cup matches between mid-June and mid-July, including the tournament final on July 19.

The series of events is expected to draw about 1 million people from around the world to the New Jersey-New York region, according to state officials.

Although most people will be present for the action on the ground, some are expected to travel to the region to prey on the most vulnerable.

“Sex trafficking and forced labor take place here in New Jersey. The demand for sex and labor also increases when major events take place,” said Gina Cavallo, vice president of the board of directors of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

According to Cavallo, this demand can be curbed through “effective messages” – developed by those who have survived trafficking, like herself – as well as a strong law enforcement presence.

Cavallo made his comments before the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which hosted people Thursday to speak about the pressing issue.

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According to the Coalition's Stephen DeLuca, New Jersey provides the ideal setting for trafficking whether or not there is a major event underway.

“No matter where you are in the state, you're near either a major metropolitan area — New York or Philadelphia — or a major tourist destination,” DeLuca said. “There are also large transport sectors, ports, airports.”

Human trafficking was also a focus for law enforcement when MetLife hosted the Super Bowl in 2014. A crackdown that spanned from late January to early February of that year resulted in hundreds of arrests .

According to DeLuca, the threat is even greater with the arrival of the World Cup.

“This is going to be a much bigger event than just one event on a Sunday.”

In testimony before lawmakers, Theresa Hilton, deputy director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, said the state's Department of Law and Public Safety has devoted significant resources to combating this problem ” generally “.

“We have already met with several organizations to begin coordinating efforts to mitigate the risk of increased human trafficking before, during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Hilton said.

A bill passed Thursday by the Assembly Judiciary Committee creates a special council that would be tasked with reporting to state officials on anti-trafficking efforts in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .

“To our partners and federal officials, I call on them to join us in ending this modern form of slavery,” said Rep. Victoria Flynn, R-Monmouth, a member of the committee. “These are complex and secret crimes, requiring a united front. By working together, we can dismantle trafficking networks, support survivors and prevent future exploitation.

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