U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team player Sergiño Dest teamed up with NJ Transit to advocate against human trafficking ahead of the World Cup. Dest and NJ Transit shared a joint video on their official Instagrams with the caption: “Some fights matter more than the game. Using my platform to sta nd up for those who need protection the most.” In the video, Dest speaks to the camera saying in part: “It’s important we protect the people that make this event so special, our fans , the families, and most important our communities.” “Major events bring excitement, but they can also bring a big risk,” he goes on to say. “If you see something that doesn’t feel right, don’t stay silent. Your awareness can help protect someone in danger and keep our communities safe.” According to Agape International Missions, an organization that fights human trafficking worldwide, a “major sporting event, has the possibility of becoming a hotspot for human trafficking.” Dest’s participation in the joint video is part of the transportation agency’s Safe Passage campaign which aims to raise awareness about human trafficking during major sporting events — including the upcoming World Cup, which has scheduled games at MetLife Stadium. “Human trafficking is a crime that exploits people through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex. It can occur in many environments, including large public spaces, but most people will never encounter it directly,” NJ Transit said. According to NJ Transit’s Safe Passage campaign, “Public transportation systems across the United States play an important role in identifying and reporting potential human trafficking concerns. According to federal agencies, tips often come from everyday observations made by members of the public – not emergencies or interventions.” Some signs that could represent a case of human trafficking, according to NJ Transit, include: Someone who appears fearful, disoriented, or unable to speak for themselves; Someone who is being closely monitored or controlled by another person; Signs that someone may not be free to come and go NJ Transit reminds riders that if you are concerned about a possible sketchy situation, do NOT intervene. Rather, report in and let the professionals respond accordingly. You can contact: 911 NJ TRANSIT Police Department: 1-888-TIPS-NJT (1-888-847-7658) or text NJTPD (65873) NJ TRANSIT personnel National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7, confidential, anonymous options available): 1-888-373-7888or text BE FREE (233733) New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline: 855-END-NJHT (855-363-6548) This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less