Leaders from Bay Area cities are intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking as the region prepares for major sporting events, including the Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup. The annual Kick-Off to Anti-Human Trafficking Month, held in San Francisco, highlighted the collaborative approach that local authorities are taking to address this critical issue.
During the event, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized the city’s commitment to proactive measures. “San Francisco will not look the other way. Instead, we will coordinate across law enforcement, social services, and community partners, not in silos – not after the fact, but in real-time,” he stated. With less than a month until the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024, the urgency of these initiatives is evident.
Funding and Collaboration to Address Trafficking
The San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking is spearheading efforts throughout January, focusing on the implications of large sporting events in the area. According to Zaileen Jammohamed from the Bay Area Host Committee, the NFL is providing $200,000 in grant funds to support three key anti-trafficking nonprofits in the region. This funding is intended to bolster their ongoing efforts to combat trafficking.
Despite studies, including one published in The Anti-Trafficking Review, indicating little to no evidence that the Super Bowl correlates with an increase in sex trafficking, local nonprofits and law enforcement stress the importance of addressing the issue continuously. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted the dire circumstances faced by victims: “Unfortunately, these victims are held captive and hostage without really any contact with the outside world.”
Regional Collaboration and Training Initiatives
District attorneys from San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Marin County have confirmed their offices will collaborate across the region, recognizing that human trafficking transcends county borders. Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen noted, “We have increased the number of prosecutors and investigators that are combating human trafficking.” He also mentioned upcoming briefings with federal partners to discuss potential criminal trends associated with the forthcoming events.
Additionally, multiple Bay Area airports are training staff to recognize the signs of human trafficking as an influx of travelers is anticipated. Erika Keaveney, Executive Director of Freedom Insight, explained some of the red flags to watch for: “In airport environments, some of those red flags might be somebody who doesn’t seem to know where they are and seem disoriented, or they are not allowed by their companion to speak to anyone in the airport.”
The collective focus on human trafficking during this critical month underscores the need for vigilance and action, particularly as large events draw more visitors to the Bay Area. Local leaders aim to ensure that efforts to combat trafficking remain a priority, not just during high-profile events, but throughout the year.
