MIAMI — Attorney General James Uthmeier convened federal, state, and local law enforcement alongside business leaders in South Florida to coordinate efforts against human trafficking as Miami prepares to host six remaining FIFA World Cup matches and other large-scale global events expected to draw record-breaking tourism.
“We are taking a proactive approach and joining forces across government and private industry to combat human trafficking,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Large-scale global events bring an increase in trafficking activity and crimes of exploitation, which is why we are standing together to get ahead of the bad guys. With six more World Cup matches in Miami, South Florida will see record-breaking tourism, but we will not let that devolve into record-breaking crime.”
The roundtable builds on a historic memorandum of understanding signed in February 2026 between Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s Human Trafficking Task Force. That agreement provided $1.5 million in operational funds and statewide prosecutors to support prevention, investigations, and prosecution. Since Uthmeier took office in February 2025, Florida has recorded 1,700 human trafficking and exploitation-related arrests and a 32% increase in human trafficking convictions.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and there is no place for it in South Florida,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones. “The Southern District of Florida is committed to identifying victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and holding those who profit from human exploitation fully accountable. Our message is simple: if you traffic human beings in South Florida, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek justice for your victims.”
Fernandez Rundle framed the threat in stark terms. “Human traffickers revel in their ability to dehumanize their victims, particularly their child victims, by stripping them of their individuality and turning them into walking money machines dispensing cash to the trafficker,” she said. “Only effective partnerships, such as our partnership with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and our local, state and federal law enforcement communities, combined with the help and assistance of our business and educational communities can end the activities of these criminal traffickers.”
Federal agencies pledged full coordination. “FBI Miami and our law enforcement partners work collaboratively to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks,” said FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles. “Together, our interagency partnerships strengthen our shared mission and impact on South Florida.” Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa echoed that commitment: “As we host the World Cup, we are united in our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking, and together, we form a united front, dedicated to protecting Floridians, supporting survivors, and ensuring our communities remain safe for all.”
Private-sector partners joined the effort. Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, called trafficking “a direct threat to Florida’s children, our safety, our communities, and our long-term prosperity.” VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Bryan Griffin noted that “with 2.2 million visitors in our state every day, a strong partnership between the Florida tourism industry and law enforcement is vital to prevent and disrupt human trafficking.” Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Alfred Sanchez said the chamber is “proud to convene business, nonprofit, and law enforcement leaders to address the critical issue of human trafficking as Miami prepares to welcome the world.”
Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez pledged the university’s involvement: “Together with Attorney General James Uthmeier, the FIU community will not rest until every human trafficking ring is dismantled and eradicated, and traffickers are brought to justice.” Uber Senior Associate for Public Policy Lizzie Pittinger said the company is “partnering with It’s a Penalty to deliver critical awareness materials on the signs of human trafficking and how to report these incidents,” adding that “Uber riders and drivers are the eyes and ears of the road.”
Uthmeier continues to encourage businesses to join the 100 Percent Club, which provides human trafficking awareness training. The public is urged to report any information or suspicions of trafficking as Miami’s remaining World Cup matches proceed.