Florida Officials Partner to Combat Human Trafficking Ahead of Major Events

Attorney General and State Attorney form 'unprecedented partnership' to prevent exploitation during 2026 World Cup and other large gatherings

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:36am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the harsh realities of human trafficking.A stark image of restraint highlights the harsh realities of human trafficking and the urgent need for law enforcement collaboration to combat this exploitation.Today in Miami

The Florida Attorney General's Office and the Miami State Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force have formed an 'unprecedented partnership' to combat human trafficking in South Florida as the region prepares to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The partnership will provide additional resources, cross-designated prosecutors, and a $1.5 million operational fund to enhance prevention, investigation, and prosecution efforts.

Why it matters

Human traffickers are known to target large crowds and global events to exploit victims, so this partnership aims to get ahead of the threat as Miami hosts the World Cup and other high-profile gatherings in 2026. Collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors is critical to disrupting trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable populations.

The details

Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution will join the Miami State Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force. Prosecutors from both offices will be cross-designated to provide single- and multi-circuit jurisdiction, ensuring traffickers cannot evade the Task Force's authority. The partnership also provides $1.5 million in operational funds to prevent, deter, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking and related organized crime.

  • The partnership was announced in April 2026 as Miami prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Miami has already hosted several large-scale events in 2023, including the Orange Bowl, NHL Winter Classic, and NCAA Football Championship.

The players

James Uthmeier

Florida Attorney General who announced the partnership with the Miami State Attorney's Office.

Katherine Fernandez Rundle

Miami State Attorney whose Human Trafficking Task Force is expanding its authority through the partnership with the Attorney General's Office.

Brad McVay

Statewide Prosecutor who will be working with the Miami State Attorney's team to combat human trafficking.

Rodney Barreto

Co-Chair of the Miami Host Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, who applauded the Attorney General's involvement in the anti-human trafficking efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Human traffickers are known to exploit large crowds and global events to gain new victims. With Miami preparing to host the World Cup, our office is deploying prosecutors and resources to enhance deterrence, prevention, investigation, and prosecution efforts. I am glad to partner with State Attorney Fernandez Rundle to bring our offices together and fight against human trafficking.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

“As millions of visitors recognize Miami-Dade County as a blossoming 2026 destination for national and international events, human traffickers also see our community as a target destination for their criminal activity. The Attorney General's assistance and this expanded partnership not only strengthens our efforts in arresting and prosecuting traffickers but also sends an unequivocally clear message that exploiting our children and vulnerable youth will never be tolerated in our community or anywhere in Florida.”

— Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami State Attorney

“Collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities are critical when it comes to combating human trafficking. As Miami prepares to host multiple large-scale events this year, preventative efforts are more important than ever, and I am confident lives will be saved through this partnership.”

— Brad McVay, Statewide Prosecutor

“I applaud the Attorney General for his participation in our anti-human trafficking program. Attorney General Uthmeier has consistently fought for justice as our state's leading officer, and we are confident that with his involvement in this campaign, the threat of human trafficking during the World Cup in Florida will be addressed with the utmost seriousness and resolve.”

— Rodney Barreto, Co-Chair, Miami Host Committee for FIFA World Cup

What’s next

The partnership between the Attorney General's Office and Miami State Attorney's Task Force will continue leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major events in South Florida. The public is urged to report any information or suspicions of human trafficking to the statewide hotline at 855-FLA-SAFE.

The takeaway

This unprecedented collaboration between state and local prosecutors demonstrates Florida's commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations, especially as the region prepares to host high-profile global events that traffickers may target. The additional resources, cross-designated authority, and operational funds will enhance prevention, investigation, and prosecution efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and save lives.