Trenton, NJ – While New York celebrated the economic success of hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, law enforcement officials in neighboring New Jersey announced that extensive anti-human trafficking operations conducted before and during the tournament led to the recovery of 97 suspected trafficking victims and the arrest of 71 people.
According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, investigations conducted between May and July involved 44 local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Authorities said the operations resulted in the arrests of 40 alleged buyers of commercial sex and 31 others accused of related criminal offenses.
Officials targeted trafficking during World Cup
State officials said the enforcement initiative was launched because large international sporting events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
“The Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police worked seamlessly with partners at different levels of government, leading to the recovery of dozens of residents suffering through exploitation and trauma,” Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. “While the World Cup highlighted the importance of the work we do each day to fight human trafficking, that mission is a priority for our office.”
The investigations were led by the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from county prosecutors’ offices and federal partners, including the FBI. Officials said cases generated during the operations are being handled by the appropriate county prosecutor’s offices, and some investigations remain active.
Victims offered services instead of arrest
Working alongside Covenant House, Volunteers of America, and the New Jersey State Police’s Operation RISE program, detectives connected suspected victims with housing, mental health care, legal assistance, and substance abuse treatment resources.
“Victims are being offered support to address their vulnerabilities and give them a way out,” Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa Hilton said. “They’re being offered hope and a path forward to safety, care, and hopefully a better life.”
Acting New Jersey State Police Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle said authorities also partnered with nonprofit organizations to ensure victims received assistance beyond the criminal investigation.
“Human trafficking is a serious and often hidden crime that can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on victims,” Hengemuhle said. “Our goal is not only to disrupt trafficking but to ensure victims have access to the resources and support they need to begin their recovery.”
Awareness campaign accompanied enforcement
Beyond arrests, New Jersey officials launched a statewide awareness campaign before the World Cup that included advertisements at airports, hotels, transportation hubs, airlines, and fan venues warning about the risks of human trafficking.
The Attorney General’s Office also distributed guidance to medical professionals, cosmetologists, hotels, massage businesses, online payment platforms, municipal fire inspectors, and code enforcement officers, outlining warning signs of trafficking and reminding businesses of their legal obligations.
Officials encouraged residents to report suspected human trafficking by calling 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548). Victim assistance is available through Covenant House’s 24-hour hotline at 862-240-2453.
World Cup brought economic gains to New York
The announcement came one day after the FIFA World Cup concluded with the championship match in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul touted the tournament’s economic impact, saying the event generated more than $2 billion for New York’s economy through the first five matches.
“Eight sold out matches. More than 560,000 fans. And through just the first five matches, more than $2 billion generated for New York’s economy,” Hochul wrote on social media, adding that restaurants, small businesses, and watch parties benefited from the influx of visitors.
New Jersey officials emphasized that the anti-trafficking initiative was planned months in advance as part of broader public safety preparations for one of the world’s largest sporting events and that the operations reflected ongoing enforcement efforts rather than indicating trafficking was confined to World Cup venues or attendees.
Photo note: As no photos of the incident exist, an Ai recreation was used.
