Bay Area Officials Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking During Major Events

January 15, 2026
Source: https://www.marincounty.gov/news-releases/bay-area-officials-raise-awareness-human-trafficking-during-major-events

With looming Super Bowl and World Cup soccer, Marin County DA remains committed to the safety of residents and visitors.

Marin County, CA — As the San Francisco Bay Area prepares to host major international sporting events in 2026, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, millions of visitors are expected to travel through and stay across the region, including Marin County. While these events promise joy and excitement, they also create opportunities for human traffickers and other criminals.

Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli spoke at the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT) annual press conference on January 9, joining regional leaders to update the public, media, and stakeholders on coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking.

Speakers at the conference highlighted how local agencies and community partners are working together to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and hold traffickers accountable. Attendees learned about major anti-trafficking initiatives, how the region is preparing for large-scale events like Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, and practical ways individuals and organizations can support these critical efforts.

Frugoli said people ask her if human trafficking happens in Marin County.

“I have driven the Highway 101 corridor with a survivor who pointed out locations where she was trafficked, so yes, even in Marin this happens,” she said. “Although Marin is one of the safest counties in the state, if not the safest, we are well aware that the Golden Gate Bridge, the Richmond-San Rafeal Bridge, and Highway 101 corridor are easy pathways for people with good and bad intentions to travel here. The mobility of traffickers and their customers is one of the reasons behind this amazing collaborative. Our District Attorney’s Office will continue working with local and regional partners as the Bay Area welcomes the world.”

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is on board, too. Sheriff Jamie Scardina said his staff is committed to identifying human traffickers and potential victims throughout the Marin jurisdiction.

“In conjunction with our state and local partners, our Patrol Division and Investigations Division will work to target individuals who reside within or travel to Marin County for the purpose of human trafficking and curb their actions,” he said.

Super Bowl LX will take place February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, and the FIFA World Cup will bring international matches and events to the Bay Area in June and July. Marin County also sees large numbers of visitors for events such as yacht racing on San Francisco Bay, auto races at Sonoma Raceway, and San Francisco Fleet Week. Those events bring more short-term visitors to the area, making it important for agencies and communities to work together to prevent exploitation.

Human trafficking is a crime that can occur in any community. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. Victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers often operate under the appearance of legitimate businesses or personal relationships and increasingly use technology and social media to target and exploit individuals, making public awareness and education essential tools in prevention.

The SFCAHT is a coalition of government agencies, law enforcement, service providers, advocates, and community partners dedicated to ending human trafficking through collaboration, education, outreach, and survivor support. SFCAHT works to raise public awareness, share best practices, and strengthen regional responses to trafficking while advocating for policies that protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.

Marin County remains committed to keeping residents and visitors safe through the Marin County Coalition to End Human Trafficking (MCCEHT),which works to raise awareness about human trafficking and how to recognize and report it. To get involved in local efforts to prevent human trafficking, email MCCEHT. 

External Link: https://www.marincounty.gov/news-releases/bay-area-officials-raise-awareness-human-trafficking-during-major-events