Executive Summary
- Task Force Results: A coordinated operation involving 67 agencies led to 29 arrests and the rescue of 73 trafficking victims.
- Vulnerable Victims: Authorities recovered 10 minors, including a 12-year-old child, during the enforcement period.
- Regional Scope: Operations spanned 11 counties, with significant activity in Contra Costa, Monterey, Solano, and Santa Clara counties.
- Future Strategy: Law enforcement plans to replicate this multi-agency model for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Levi’s Stadium.
Law enforcement officials announced the results of a comprehensive multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking networks across the Bay Area in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, the coordinated enforcement effort resulted in the arrest of 29 suspected traffickers and the rescue of 73 individuals identified as victims of sex trafficking, including 10 minors.
The operation was executed by the Human Trafficking Task Force, which coordinated efforts among approximately 67 law enforcement agencies ranging from Sacramento to Monterey. Investigators launched nearly 40 distinct operations across 11 counties to secure the region ahead of the major sporting event. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office reported that among the recovered victims, one was a 12-year-old child.
The District Attorney’s Office provided a breakdown of the arrests and recoveries by jurisdiction. In Contra Costa County, authorities arrested seven suspected traffickers and recovered 17 victims. Operations in Monterey and Solano counties resulted in six arrests. In Santa Clara County, two suspected traffickers were taken into custody, and a firearm was seized. Additionally, investigators in San Mateo County recovered 20 victims during the surge in enforcement.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen highlighted the scale of the collaboration. “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation and safety,” Rosen stated in a press release. “Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”
Officials indicated that the logistical framework established for this operation will serve as a blueprint for future large-scale events. Authorities confirmed that similar enforcement protocols are being planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium. Local agencies, including the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and the Salinas Police Department, were noted as key contributors to the regional success.
It is important to note that all individuals arrested or charged in connection with these operations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Strategic Enforcement & Public Safety Implications
The outcomes of this operation underscore the evolving strategy of law enforcement to utilize high-profile sporting events as catalysts for regional crackdown efforts. By mobilizing a cross-jurisdictional task force, authorities successfully expanded the security perimeter well beyond the immediate venue, disrupting trafficking supply lines that typically surge during such events. The integration of 67 agencies sets a significant precedent for inter-agency intelligence sharing and resource allocation. This operational model is expected to become the standard for public safety planning ahead of the 2026 World Cup, signaling a continued focus on aggressive interdiction of trafficking networks in the Bay Area.
