Nearly 100 suspected human trafficking victims recovered, 71 arrested during World Cup operations in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — Anti-human trafficking operations conducted across New Jersey before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup led to the recovery of 97 suspected human trafficking victims and the arrest of 71 people, state officials announced Monday.
According to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police led the coordinated effort with 44 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The operations were launched because large international sporting events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Authorities said the arrests included 40 people accused of purchasing commercial sex and 31 others charged with offenses related to human trafficking and exploitation. Officials said some investigations remain ongoing, and the cases are being handled by the appropriate county prosecutor’s offices.
Working with Covenant House, Volunteers of America and the New Jersey State Police’s Operation RISE (Recovery, Initiative Support & Engagement), investigators identified suspected trafficking victims and offered services, including housing, mental health care, legal assistance and substance use disorder treatment.
“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,” 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, and we will be unrelenting in providing assistance to victims and ensuring accountability for perpetrators long after the international spotlight fades.”
The results were announced Monday during a news conference featuring First Assistant Attorney General Katherine Calle, Acting New Jersey State Police Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle and FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. Officials highlighted the collaborative public safety efforts surrounding the World Cup, including Sunday’s championship match in New Jersey.
“These operations reflect a trauma-informed approach to addressing the underlying causes of human trafficking and prostitution,” said Theresa Hilton, director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Victims are being offered support to address their vulnerabilities and give them a way out. They’re being offered hope and a path forward to safety, care, and hopefully a better life.”
“Human trafficking is a serious and often hidden crime that can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on victims. We recognize that large-scale events can create opportunities for traffickers and other criminal activity, which is why we took a proactive and forward-thinking approach to addressing this threat,” said Hengemuhle, acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “By working closely with our state and local law enforcement partners, we strengthened our efforts to identify and combat human trafficking. We also recognized that law enforcement cannot do this alone, which is why we included nonprofit and community-based organizations in our planning. Supporting victims is a critical part of this mission, and 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.”
The enforcement operations were part of a broader statewide initiative that also included outreach to medical professionals, cosmetologists, hotels, motels, massage businesses, online payment platforms, municipal fire inspectors and code enforcement officers to help identify potential trafficking victims and prevent exploitation.
State officials also launched a public awareness campaign in June featuring messaging at airports, hotels, transportation networks, media platforms and fan venues warning about the increased risk of human trafficking during major international sporting events.
Officials urged the public to watch for possible signs of human trafficking, including individuals who:
- Avoid eye contact or exhibit extraordinarily fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense or paranoid behavior.
- Are accompanied by someone much better dressed to whom they are submissive.
- Do not speak for themselves even when directly addressed.
- Exhibit signs of physical abuse or restraint.
- Appear underfed or malnourished.
- Do not have the freedom to separate themselves from those accompanying them.
- Are involved in the commercial sex industry and have a pimp or manager.
- Work excessively long or unusual hours and owe a large or increasing debt.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to call 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548). Victims or those seeking assistance can contact Covenant House 24 hours a day at 862-240-2453.
