As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches—an event expected to draw millions of visitors across Mexico, the United States, and Canada—San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan is raising concerns about a persistent risk: the increase in human trafficking during large-scale events.
In an exclusive interview, Stephan outlines local prevention strategies while questioning the absence of a clear global plan. She also underscores the urgency of strong binational coordination to protect victims in border regions such as San Diego–Tijuana, where human trafficking takes on added complexity due to intense flows of tourism, commerce, and migration.
During the World Cup period, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, this border corridor will become a strategic hub for lodging, transit, and entertainment. Crossings between San Diego and Tijuana are expected to rise significantly. Although no official matches will be held in these cities, activities linked to the tournament—such as pre-game celebrations, public watch events, cultural festivals, and gatherings organized by local clubs and stakeholders—are expected to take place throughout the region. This dynamic will intensify due to proximity to official host cities like Los Angeles.
Against this backdrop, Stephan explains how her office is preparing to confront the challenge.
What strategies is your office implementing to prevent human trafficking during the 2026 World Cup?
“San Diego has a well-established human trafficking task force. It includes multiple law enforcement agencies and federal, state, and local authorities working 24/7. It is an active task force, and we increase resources whenever there is a major event like FIFA.
“Although official matches will not be played in San Diego, there will be pre-game celebrations at Snapdragon Stadium, organized by the local football club. They are aware of the risks and are working closely with our office to ensure events are safe and that human rights are respected.
“As for the rest of the World Cup, I must say I remain disappointed by the lack of a clear and prioritized plan to prevent human trafficking, even though the evidence is clear—these massive events, with more than 65,000 attendees per match, attract both sex and labor trafficking.”
Stephan notes that international experience shows major sporting events not only generate economic benefits but also create conditions that can enable exploitation.
What evidence supports this concern?
“During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, more than half a million migrants were used to build infrastructure. There were documented abuses and labor exploitation. Since then, international organizations have called for a clear plan to prevent trafficking. We have not seen it yet.
“In San Diego, during large events, we do see an increase in trafficking-related arrests. This is also because we deploy more resources, including undercover officers and online monitoring to detect whether young girls are being brought in for exploitation.
“A recent example was Comic-Con: we made multiple arrests of individuals attempting to buy sex. Despite warnings, it still happened, and those individuals were prosecuted.”
Beyond the numbers, Stephan emphasizes that the issue is not solely tied to the sporting event itself, but to the broader social context surrounding it.
Does trafficking increase because of the event itself?
“Studies show it’s not about the game itself, but about large gatherings—especially of men, who are the primary buyers in sex trafficking. Also, when there is a sudden demand for labor, you may see an increase in labor trafficking.”
In a binational region like San Diego–Tijuana, coordination between countries is essential. Stephan explains how this effort is structured.
How does your office coordinate with federal agencies in the United States and Mexico?
“For us, this has always been a priority. We don’t wait for a major event. We have a permanent task force that includes federal, state, and local agencies.
“We work constantly with international partners, the FBI, and other agencies to stay aligned. It would be a mistake to wait until the event is happening—this requires long-term commitment and expertise.
“We also recently renewed a binational agreement with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. This reflects the reality that many victims cross the border daily. We have established trust mechanisms to protect them on both sides, including collaboration between Family Justice Centers in San Diego and Tijuana.”
According to Stephan, prevention also requires identifying structural weaknesses in how global events are organized.
What is the biggest challenge your office anticipates during this global event?
“The main challenge is the lack of a clear and unified document that guarantees human rights protections across the entire operational chain—from construction to logistics and ticketing.
“That coordinated and binding framework does not currently exist. However, in the United States there is stronger oversight, and human trafficking is a priority. One critical area is hotels and motels. In San Diego, we have active campaigns to train staff to identify signs of trafficking and report them.”
Stephan stresses that community awareness plays a crucial role in early detection of trafficking and exploitation.
What warning signs should the public look for?
“People should trust their instincts. For example, a pairing that doesn’t seem right—an older man with a younger person who appears out of place or improperly dressed for the situation.
“In hotels, you might see the adult carrying all the luggage while the other person has nothing or just a small bag. Signs are often subtle, not obvious like chains or bruises, because traffickers avoid visible evidence.
“Victims may also appear disoriented—they may not know what day it is because they are moved frequently. The most important thing is to understand that this is not entertainment. Buying a human being is a crime—it is human trafficking.”
Finally, Stephan outlines reporting mechanisms, which are essential in a context of high mobility.
How can residents or visitors report suspected cases?
“If it looks like an emergency, call 911. There is no risk in reporting in good faith. If someone sees violence, coercion, or suspicious situations in hotels, they should report it—for example, if someone is being pushed into a room or you hear cries for help.
“They can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text ‘BEFREE’ to 233733, which connects them with local authorities.
“Human trafficking is both a global and local issue. It includes labor and sexual exploitation. The problem is not the sport—the World Cup is a global celebration. The risk lies in the vulnerability of certain groups, such as young people and migrants. This requires collective responsibility. No one should derive entertainment from another person’s suffering.”