Super Bowl 2026 Brings Surge in Prostitution Arrests

Law enforcement cracks down on sex trafficking and exploitation around major sporting event

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As Super Bowl LX approaches Santa Clara, law enforcement is ramping up efforts to combat prostitution and human trafficking, with a focus on arresting those seeking to purchase sex. Authorities report a significant number of arrests have already been made, targeting both sex traffickers and individuals engaging in commercial sex. The increased enforcement comes alongside concerns from sex workers and advocates about potential criminalization and vulnerability, particularly in light of a new California law that criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase sex.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is known to drive a spike in human trafficking and commercial sex exploitation, as large crowds of visitors create high demand. Law enforcement is seeking to disrupt this demand, but there are concerns that the crackdown could further marginalize and endanger sex workers.

The details

Josh Singleton, Commander of the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force, said his team is 'out in force' and actively enforcing laws related to prostitution. Undercover operations have led to a surge in arrests of individuals purchasing sex, and Singleton anticipates this trend will continue throughout the Super Bowl weekend. The focus remains on disrupting the demand that fuels exploitation, with reports of individuals being forced into as many as fifteen sexual encounters per day, with traffickers retaining the majority of the profits.

  • As Super Bowl LX descends upon Santa Clara
  • Authorities are bracing for potential increases in commercial sex during Super Bowl week

The players

Josh Singleton

Commander of the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force

AB 379

A new California law that criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase sex

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What they’re saying

“We are out in force and actively enforcing laws related to prostitution. The message is direct: enjoy the Super Bowl, but refrain from engaging in commercial sex.”

— Josh Singleton, Commander of the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force (TMZ)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow AB 379 to be enforced during the Super Bowl weekend.

The takeaway

The increased law enforcement presence and crackdown on prostitution during the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing debate around the most effective ways to combat human trafficking and exploitation, with concerns that the focus on demand could further marginalize and endanger sex workers.