SAN JOSE — As the Bay Area prepares to host a series of global sporting events in 2026, regional authorities and community organizations are taking proactive measures to address a serious concern that often shadows large gatherings: human trafficking. Officials say major events like the Super Bowl, NCAA basketball tournament, and FIFA World Cup matches will attract not only sports fans and visitors but also individuals looking to exploit vulnerable people for profit.
Law enforcement agencies, district attorneys’ offices, advocacy groups, and transit officials from across the region convened this week for a daylong conference dedicated to strengthening coordination and prevention efforts. The event, held Wednesday, focused on sharing intelligence, enhancing communication, and ensuring that local teams are equipped to identify signs of trafficking activity and intervene effectively.
Organizers emphasized that combating trafficking requires vigilance at every level — from transportation and hospitality workers to everyday citizens who may notice suspicious behavior. The initiative is part of a broader regional effort that will continue through the first half of 2026 as the Bay Area becomes a hub for international visitors.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is among the organizations leading the charge in community-based prevention. Recognizing the critical role that public transit plays during major events, the agency has launched a new safety feature within its mobile app to make reporting potential trafficking incidents faster and more accessible.
“If you are a rider or an employee, you can use the alerts app right away,” said Aston Greene, VTA’s chief of system safety and security. “It allows you to communicate directly with personnel and report suspected human trafficking behavior. That’s exactly what we want — for the public to act when they see something concerning.”
Authorities explained that human traffickers often use large public events as cover to move victims or recruit new ones. Crowded areas, transient populations, and temporary labor demands make such occasions especially attractive for illegal exploitation. By increasing awareness and improving reporting tools, officials hope to disrupt these activities before they escalate.
Representatives from district attorneys’ offices across the Bay Area highlighted the importance of cross-agency collaboration. Sharing real-time data and building consistent training protocols are essential to identifying patterns and rescuing victims. Partnerships with non-profit advocacy groups also remain a key component, providing survivors with counseling, legal support, and safe housing after they are removed from exploitative situations.
Advocates at the conference stressed that while major events can heighten trafficking risks, the problem persists year-round. Many victims are coerced through manipulation, financial dependence, or threats rather than abduction. Experts say that education and awareness are among the most effective tools to reduce vulnerability and empower communities to intervene.
The new VTA initiative aims to make every rider and transit employee part of that vigilance network. Transit agencies across the Bay Area are expected to follow suit with similar public awareness campaigns, posters, and digital alerts as the 2026 event season approaches. Officials also underscored the need for consistent public messaging. By encouraging residents and visitors to recognize signs of trafficking — such as individuals who appear fearful, avoid eye contact, or are controlled by someone else — authorities hope to increase the likelihood of early intervention.
While preparations for 2026’s global sports calendar will bring excitement and economic benefits to the region, leaders say safety and human dignity must remain at the forefront. “Hosting events like the Super Bowl and World Cup is an honor,” Greene said, “but it also comes with responsibility. We want to make sure that everyone who visits or lives here is protected.”
The conference marks the beginning of a series of coordinated efforts that will continue through the coming months, with further training sessions planned for transportation workers, hospitality employees, and community volunteers. As the Bay Area welcomes millions of visitors from around the world, the collaboration among law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and the public will play a crucial role in keeping vulnerable individuals safe from exploitation. Through technology, education, and joint action, officials hope to send a clear message: while the Bay Area may be hosting some of the world’s biggest sports events, there is no room for human trafficking in any corner of its communities.
