James Uthmeier heads group effort to stop human trafficking during World Cup

Several law enforcement and business leaders gathered at Florida International University to announce a new effort to reduce human trafficking during the FIFA World Cup.

Attorney General James Uthmeier anchored the event announcing the commitment, as the soccer tournament has the eyes of the world focused on South Florida. The games take place at Hard Rock Stadium, as well as other major stadiums throughout North America.

Some 50 business and law enforcement representatives met to unveil plans to look out for human trafficking.

“It has to be one team to truly tackle this evil,” Uthmeier said during the news conference.

“The World Cup is a dangerous time. When it comes to human trafficking, you have a lot of people coming from other countries where some of this behavior, as sick as it is, is more of a way of life. In some countries, some things are not illegal.”

Uthmeier said he was encouraged by the number of businesses that took part in Tuesday’s planning event. He also announced a major development in the cause, with Starbucks donating $1 million to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking.

The Alliance is a nonprofit established by the state in 2019. In addition to overseeing efforts to drive down human trafficking, the organization also directs support organizations that help victims of human trafficking recover from the trauma.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones applauded the donation while urging South Florida residents and soccer fans to be aware during World Cup events. He said he is challenging anyone that might see something suspicious during the soccer games or events surrounding them to report it.

“Every parent knows when a situation doesn’t look right,” Quiñones said as he stressed a special phone number to report human trafficking: 305-FIXSTOP.

“I challenge you to call, to message, to let law enforcement know. … This is how we bring down these numbers.“