06/11/2026
With the World Cup starting today in Mexico City and coming to the tri-state area this weekend, we wanted to take a moment to talk about the relationship between large events and human trafficking.
Human Trafficking takes place every day in Westchester County. But large nearby events, like the upcoming World Cup, can result in increased rates of activity and/or reporting. These events increase tourism, and more people can create a demand for both labor and commercial s*x. As a result, trafficking incidents may rise to meet the growing demand.
No, large events do not cause trafficking. Trafficking happens every single day, regardless of whether an event is happening. But large events do create the conditions to make trafficking more visible.
Demand for labor and commercial s*x increases due to the influx of tourists, which can make ongoing activity more visible. Traffickers from other locations may travel to the event location to take advantage of the number of people present, which also increases activity in the area of the event.
Some common red flags for trafficking include:
Individuals want to stop selling or trading s*x but feel unable to leave.
Individuals disclose that someone pressured them into selling s*x.
Individuals are not allowed to meet or speak with people alone.
Individuals live where they work or are transported by a guard to and from home and work.
If you witness trafficking:
Please avoid confronting a potential survivor as this can be dangerous for everyone involved.
Call, text or chat the National Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888, 233733).
Call, text, or chat a local trafficking resource, like My Sisters’ Place.
Submit a tip online through the anonymous online reporting form at humantraffickinghotline.org/en/report-trafficking.
If it is urgent or occurred in the last 24 hours, please contact a hotline first.
If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking, we're here to help.
24/7 MSP Hotline:
1-800-7233 (SAFE)
Text or Chat with MSP:
mspny.org/connect-now
914-600-4208
(Available Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm)
National Hotline:
1-888-373-7888
Text 'BEFREE' or 'HELP' to 233733