As the Super Bowl 60 approaches, cities in the Bay Area are intensifying their efforts to combat human trafficking. The annual Kick-Off to Anti-Human Trafficking Month convened leaders from various counties to address the issue that often escalates during large events. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized a proactive approach, stating, “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.”
Collaboration and Funding Initiatives
The San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking launched Anti-Human Trafficking Month with a focus on the upcoming Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June 2024. As part of this initiative, the Bay Area Host Committee announced a partnership with the NFL, providing $200,000 in grant funds to support three key anti-trafficking nonprofits in the region.
Despite studies indicating that major sporting events like the Super Bowl do not correlate with increased sex trafficking, community organizations and law enforcement stress the importance of vigilance. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted the dire circumstances faced by victims, stating, “Unfortunately, these victims are held captive and hostage without really any contact with the outside world.”
Cross-County Collaboration
The district attorneys from San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Marin counties confirmed their commitment to collaborating across jurisdictions, recognizing that human trafficking transcends county borders. Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen mentioned the increase in resources dedicated to combating trafficking, including more prosecutors and investigators. He added, “We actually have briefings coming up in the next few weeks from our federal partners about what kind of criminal trends we can expect to see with the coming of the Super Bowl and FIFA.”
In preparation for the influx of travelers, multiple Bay Area airports are training staff to recognize potential signs of human trafficking. Erika Keaveney, Executive Director of Freedom Insight, outlined red flags staff should look for, such as individuals who appear disoriented or are not permitted to speak to airport personnel.
As the Bay Area gears up for these major events, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. Local leaders are hopeful that their coordinated efforts will lead to greater awareness and prevention of human trafficking in the region.
