World Cup highlights human trafficking exploitation

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As Houston counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citywide preparations are expanding beyond stadiums and security plans to include awareness of human trafficking, an issue that often draws increased concern during major international events.

While experts caution against assuming large sporting events directly cause increases in trafficking, the influx of visitors, temporary workers, hospitality activity, and transportation demands can create opportunities for exploitation.

Houston’s size and transportation infrastructure make it particularly vulnerable to trafficking activity. The city’s large population, extensive interstate network, two international airports, major international port, and growing labor market create opportunities for trafficking.

For health professionals, the World Cup represents not only a global celebration of sport but also an opportunity to strengthen understanding, improve victim identification, and reinforce partnerships that protect vulnerable populations.

Understanding human trafficking

Human trafficking can take many forms, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Public health officials say one of the first challenges is helping people understand what trafficking looks like and how it differs from other forms of exploitation.

“Human smuggling involves the transportation of individuals across borders, typically with their consent, while human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation,” said Higinio Fernández-Sánchez, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the Department of Research at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. “Understanding this distinction helps people recognize that trafficking can occur without movement across borders and can affect both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.”

The warning signs

Fernández-Sánchez said members of the public should remain aware of common indicators that someone may be experiencing trafficking.

“Some warning signs include individuals who appear fearful, unable to speak freely, controlled by another person, or showing signs of physical abuse or exploitation,” he said.

According to Charles Dunn Sr., inspector and police legal liaison for UT Police at Houston, they often present with additional indicators that can be overlooked by the public, such as injuries in various stages of healing, limited access to identification documents, and very little money.

Dunn also emphasized it is important for the public to understand that trafficking victims often do not fit common stereotypes.

“Many in our society mistakenly view prostitution as a ‘victimless crime,’ or believe that the person is engaged in this conduct because they are making the free choice to do so,” Dunn said. “The average age that a victim of human trafficking is introduced into prostitution or commercial sexual exploitation is 12 to 14; some research reports 12 to 16.”

Dunn said trafficking victims may appear to be adults but often carry years of trauma, manipulation, and coercion.

A critical public health issue

“From a nursing and public health perspective, trafficking risk is deeply connected to unmet basic needs and cumulative life stressors that many vulnerable youths experience long before any major event occurs,” said Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, MSN, RN, ACRN, PHNA-BC, dean of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, as well as The Jane and Robert Cizik Distinguished Chair and the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair in Nursing Education Leadership at the nursing school.

“In my work with adolescents and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability, we consistently see that risk increases when individuals lack stable housing, food security, income, transportation, and supportive relationships. Many have histories of abuse, neglect, foster care involvement, discrimination, or community violence. Traffickers often exploit these circumstances by presenting themselves as helpers or protectors, then using manipulation and coercion to gain control. Trafficking is far less about abduction and far more about taking advantage of vulnerability.”

According to Santa Maria, human trafficking causes significant and long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm.

“Survivors experience higher rates of injury, chronic illness, infectious disease, reproductive health complications, substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicide risk. A public health nursing approach also emphasizes prevention by addressing root causes such as poverty, housing instability, childhood adversity, and lack of access to care. By focusing on prevention, early identification, and long-term recovery, nurses play a critical role in reducing vulnerability, supporting healing, and promoting health equity for individuals and communities.”

The role of healthcare providers

Kimberly Alleman, MBA-HM, BSN, RN-BC, chief nursing officer of UT Physicians, said healthcare providers often encounter trafficking victims before law enforcement does.

“Healthcare organizations play a critical role because clinical encounters may be one of the few opportunities to identify vulnerability and intervene safely,” Alleman said.

These settings are among the few places victims interact with professionals outside their trafficking situation, which makes hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments important points of contact.

“Inconsistencies in a patient’s story or signs that basic needs are not being met can also raise concern,” Santa Maria said.

Alleman said clinicians are often looking for patterns rather than a single indicator.

“Clinicians rarely see one obvious sign—they see patterns across physical, behavioral, and social indicators,” Alleman said. “These may include repeated injuries, untreated conditions, STIs, malnutrition, anxiety, inconsistent histories, fearfulness, or a companion who controls communication or decision-making. The goal is not to confirm trafficking, but to recognize concerning patterns, ensure privacy, document objectively, and escalate concerns appropriately.”

Santa Maria said recognizing warning signs is only part of the response.

“Equally important is how nurses respond. Trauma-informed nursing care emphasizes safety, trust, and respect,” she said. “This may include speaking with the patient privately when possible, using nonjudgmental language, and focusing on immediate health and safety needs rather than forcing disclosure. Nurses can ask gentle, open-ended questions about living situations and personal safety, respect a patient’s autonomy, and connect them with social workers, behavioral health services, housing resources, and organizations that offer trafficking-specific support. Even brief, compassionate interactions can reduce isolation and open the door to future help.”

How UTHealth Houston is preparing

Hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments across Houston are preparing for the increased demands that accompany a major international event.

“Here at UTHealth Houston, we have already started enhancing the education staff receive on trafficking awareness and response while simultaneously evaluating opportunities through a partnership with UTHealth Services to strengthen screening processes and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools to support earlier identification and workflow consistency,” Alleman said.

According to Dunn, law enforcement agencies are also coordinating efforts ahead of the tournament.

“All law enforcement—federal, state, and local—are already gearing up for FIFA to ensure this is a safe environment for all to enjoy,” he said. “We are all collaborating with each other and with the nongovernmental organizations in our efforts to combat human trafficking at this event.”

Dunn said he views the World Cup as an opportunity not only to prevent trafficking but also to identify victims and hold offenders accountable.

“I consider this event an opportunity. An opportunity to locate and rescue the victims of human trafficking, as well as an opportunity to identify and hold accountable those who perpetrate this crime.”

Recognizing and reporting

Awareness can play an important role in identifying potential trafficking situations and connecting victims with help.

If you suspect someone may be experiencing trafficking:

• Do not confront a suspected trafficker.
• Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency,.
• Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
• Text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BEFREE).
• Report nonemergency concerns to UT Police at 713-792-2890 or the Houston Police Department at 713-884-3131.

Additional resources are available through the city of Houston Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence website.

UTHealth Houston’s commitment to survivor care

Identifying potential trafficking victims is only the first step. Long-term recovery often requires coordinated medical, behavioral health, and social support services.

The Child Sex Trafficking Clinic in the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston works collaboratively with local care coordination partners to provide evidence-based trauma therapy and survivor-informed services for identified child sex trafficking survivors.

The clinic’s multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical and clinical social workers who provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments, trauma-focused care, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions.

Services also include screening for issues such as malnutrition, sexually transmitted infections, immunization needs, educational concerns, and access to basic resources.

Using a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach, the team works with survivors and caregivers to address immediate concerns and connect families with additional services and community resources that support long-term recovery.