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Human trafficking focus added for World Cup security in NJ measure

By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... A bill to increase public awareness of and combat human trafficking as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches has cleared a New Jersey state Senate committee.
..... The bill, sponsored by state Senators Teresa Ruiz and Brian Stack, would cerate a Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council to evaluate existing law, review existing programs or create new initiatives, promote a coordinated response and develop mechanisms to increase public awareness of human trafficking. It cleared the Senate's Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 1. [2025]
..... The council would have nine members, appointed by the governor, including a law enforcement officer with experience i working with victims of human trafficking and survivors of human trafficking of those experienced in helping provide assistance and service to trafficking victims.
..... The New Jersey Health Department will receive $1 million to support the council.
..... Ruiz said in a statement that "human trafficking thrives in the shadows of indifference and in moments where systems are unprepared."
..... "This council can work to make sure New Jersey is neither, by elevating survivor voices, enhancing our safety net, and ensuring that the excitement of the World Cup does not come at the expense of the public's security," she said.
..... State Senator Paul Sarlo, the budget committee chair, praised the New Jersey State Police for its leadership with the security efforts on the run-up to the World Cup.
..... "They are spending a lot of time working with agents in security agencies all over the world, so I want to commend them on that," he said.
..... The will would require the council to meet at least once every 45 days, and half of those meetings should happen without the law enforcement officer appointed to the council present.
..... The council would have to work with the attorney general on a report for the governor and Legislature related to anti-trafficking efforts the state may undertake as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and to develop a public awareness campaign related to the risk of human trafficking before and during the World Cup.
..... The bill also requires the attorney general to issue directives to law enforcement and prosecuting agencies about identifying and responding to the increase risk of human trafficking crimes before and during the World Cup.

Discussed throughout planning

..... Human trafficking at the World Cup and other global events has been a topic of conversation throughout the planing process.

..... The eastern region meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General in September [2025] included a panel discussion on the matter.
..... New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said at the time that his office has a clear priority on prosecuting and protecting people from human trafficking.
..... "It is something that affects every community, and a large event like the World Cup ... bring with it attention and challenges from people who would like to prey on vulnerable individuals," Platkin said.
..... He went on to say his office is considered to have the "resident experts" on human trafficking and hat other agencies have reached out to get up to speed on prosecuting cases."
..... Platkin called it "incredibly important for all of law enforcement, regardless of what is happening in the political realm, to continue to work together."
..... Representative Josh Gottheimer is looking to supply some federal dollars to the persecutory efforts as well.
..... He proposed legislation to allocate $625 million for World Cup security to host cities and law enforcement. The money would be used to increase policing, fire and medical services, and other security measures.
..... The state Assembly Judiciary Committee had experts and advocates come to the meeting in June 2024 to highlight what can be done to prevent any issues.
..... Members of the board of trustees of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking told the committee that New Jersey sees significant human trafficking because it is one of the most densely populated states and has major transpiration centers.
..... They said that "demand for sex and labor spikes when major events take place" but it can be "curbed with effective messaging and a robust law enforcement presence."
..... The committee ultimately passed a package of bills geared toward raising awareness and education about human trafficking, as well as creating further protections for victims.
..... Among the bills was one to crate a Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory council to provide a report to the governor and Legislature related to anti-trafficking efforts in the state as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
..... None of those bills has made it through both chambers of the Legislature.

..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: slobko@northjersey.com

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