For years, major sporting events have been linked to concerns about increased sex trafficking. However, some experts say there is limited evidence supporting a direct connection and that it's important to always be on the lookout for this activity.
With matches scheduled in nearby Santa Clara, the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit is coordinating closely with regional partners. Acting Lt. Tony Flores said the city already experiences steady activity due to frequent events and tourism.
"In San Francisco, we have the World Cup every weekend. We have so many big events. So we pretty much see a steady line of things that are going on, of people coming in. We have a lot of tourists now," Flores said.
Flores said SFPD is working with agencies in Santa Clara and sharing information daily as preparations continue.
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"We work with our partners in Santa Clara. We have daily briefings that we talk about the things that we did and things that are coming up and things that maybe we learn from each of those operations that we do together," he said.
The Santa Clara Police Department has formed an anti-trafficking subcommittee and is applying strategies developed during February's Super Bowl. SFPD is doing the same, with an expectation of increased police presence, especially as Team USA plays in Santa Clara this upcoming Wednesday.
"I think what you're going to see is more enforcement portion of it. You're going to see more visibility out there of law enforcement," Flores said.
Recent enforcement actions by SFPD highlight ongoing cases unrelated to the tournament, according to Flores.
Between June 12 and June 20, officers arrested a man suspected of soliciting prostitution while carrying a loaded firearm. A traffic stop at Turk and Mason streets led to the discovery of an underage human trafficking victim. Investigators also identified and dismantled a brothel on Bryant Street.
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"It's very boldsy of them, very boldsy. It's, you know, you have not only us, but you also have the public defender's office right across the street too. So, but we were able to dismantle it," Flores said.
SFPD started the "Dear John" program two years ago to crack down on prostitution and human trafficking, sending letters and pictures to people suspected of soliciting prostitution around Shotwell Street. To better support victims, a nonprofit organization recently redesigned an interview room used by investigators, replacing what Flores described as a sterile environment with a more comfortable space intended to encourage communication.
"So you can see that it's very comfortable for that person to talk to us. And again, for me, it's not about time. It's really about building a rapport with that victim," he said.
Authorities emphasize that human trafficking remains an issue beyond any single event. Officials are urging the public to report suspicious activity, including signs that someone is being controlled, appears fearful or injured, is not speaking for themselves, or is not free to leave. Tips can be reported to the San Francisco Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline at 415-907-9911, or by calling 911 in emergencies.