Statewide awareness campaign rolls out ahead of East Rutherford matches with warnings, training and multilingual alerts
NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey officials have unveiled a statewide human trafficking awareness and prevention campaign ahead of the World Cup matches set to take place in East Rutherford, warning that large international events can create conditions traffickers attempt to exploit.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the initiative during a news conference Sunday at Newark Liberty International Airport, calling it a coordinated effort among state agencies, New York City officials, labor departments, and nonprofit partners to increase public awareness and reporting of suspected trafficking activity.
The campaign, developed with the nonprofit “It’s a Penalty,” will feature public messaging, training for frontline workers, and educational materials aimed at airports, hotels, transit systems, and fan venues across New Jersey and surrounding host areas.
Officials said the goal is to equip the public with tools to recognize warning signs of both sex and labor trafficking and to encourage reporting through designated hotlines and law enforcement channels.
“As the world’s greatest soccer teams compete in New Jersey for the FIFA World Cup 26, it is critical that the public exercises vigilance,” Davenport said during the announcement, noting that traffickers often seek opportunities during high-traffic international events.
The Department of Labor & Workforce Development said it will support efforts to protect workers involved in event operations, including those in hospitality, transportation, and venue staffing, emphasizing that exploitation risks can extend beyond visitors to labor forces supporting the tournament.
The campaign includes multilingual educational videos, printed materials, and digital outreach distributed through airports, airlines, transit hubs, and fan zones. Officials said materials will also be made available to businesses and organizations statewide.
Law enforcement agencies, including the New Jersey State Police and Division of Criminal Justice, will coordinate operations before and during the tournament aimed at identifying trafficking networks and supporting potential victims.
Officials outlined several behavioral and situational indicators that may signal trafficking, including restricted movement, signs of abuse, inability to speak freely, and employment under coercive or deceptive conditions.
A new mobile application developed by the New Jersey State Police will also provide real-time alerts during the tournament. The app, accessible through the “WORLDCUPNJ” subscription, will deliver updates on emergencies, transit issues, and public safety information, with automatic translation into approximately 35 languages based on device settings.
Authorities said the combined approach is designed to increase awareness while strengthening enforcement and victim support systems during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Residents and visitors who suspect trafficking activity are urged to call 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548). Victim support is also available through Covenant House at 862-240-2453.
Key Points
- New Jersey launches human trafficking awareness campaign ahead of World Cup matches
- Initiative includes multilingual alerts, training, and public reporting tools
- Law enforcement to increase operations targeting trafficking networks during tournament