With the World Cup approaching, law enforcement agencies across the region are preparing an unprecedented security effort — with a major focus on stopping human trafficking for sex or labor. Millions of people are expected to travel through New Jersey as matches take place at MetLife Stadium an d across the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Authorities warn that traffickers may try to blend in with the crowds. “I think there’s a lot of unique aspects of this type of event. You don’t just have, you know, a one day event, like a Super Bowl,” Stefanie Roddy of the FBI’s Newark Field Office said. A dedicated 50-member task force is preparing a coordinated response involving multiple agencies with the goal of identifying traffickers, solicitors and victims. “We’re all working not just to arrest the traffickers or identify the traffickers but also the solicitors as well as our victims,” Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz of the New Jersey State Police explained. Officials say large international events often attract criminals. To combat the threat, New Jersey State Police and the FBI are launching a joint public awareness campaign including bilingual outreach in areas of concern such as hotels, motels, rest stops and entertainment districts. “From a safety and security perspective, this event is completely unprecedented,” Sierotowicz said. The effort will be coordinated from an area command center in Ewing Township, where state police and partners from numerous agencies will monitor World Cup activity and its impact across New Jersey and neighboring states. Planning for the operation began nearly three years ago. Authorities are urging the public to be prepared and to report anything suspicious. “We need everybody out there looking around. If it doesn’t not feel right to you, it is probably not and that is something that you should be reporting,” Roddy said. “It could happen right in front of you, and we want people to have that on, the tip of their tongue or in their phone.” Officials say awareness will be key as they work to stay ahead of criminals amid the constant movement expected during the World Cup. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. Philadelphia May 8 Law enforcement agencies to ramp up security for World Cup, July 4 crowds 2026 World Cup May 8 Building the 2026 FIFA World Cup ultimate footballer 2026 World Cup May 7 FIFA triples price to $32,970 for best available tickets to 2026 World Cup final 2026 World Cup May 7 NJ Transit lowers price to $105 for train tickets to World Cup games at MetLife Stadium FIFA World Cup May 6 Thanks to a $5M investment, dozens of World Cup fan events coming to New Jersey FIFA World Cup Apr 29 Philadelphia prepares volunteers to guide fans ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 World Cup Mar 3 Everything to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Teams, how to watch and more ...read more read less