Attorney General James Uthmeier joins businesses and federal, state, and local law enforcement in united South Florida effort to combat human trafficking

Tallahassee, Florida – As South Florida prepares for a wave of international visitors tied to upcoming global events, Attorney General James Uthmeier has joined forces with federal, state, and local partners to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing and disrupting human trafficking. The coordinated push comes as Miami anticipates a significant rise in tourism during the FIFA World Cup and other large-scale events expected to draw millions to the region.

Officials say the heightened visibility and increased movement of people during such events can create opportunities for criminal exploitation. In response, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders are working together to ensure traffickers find no room to operate in the state.

Speaking during a public roundtable with partners from across government and industry, Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized the need for early action and collaboration across sectors.

“We are taking a proactive approach and joining forces across government and private industry to combat human trafficking,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Large-scale global events bring an increase in trafficking activity and crimes of exploitation, which is why we are standing together to get ahead of the bad guys. With six more World Cup matches in Miami, South Florida will see record-breaking tourism, but we will not let that devolve into record-breaking crime.”

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The roundtable brought together law enforcement officials, business leaders, academic representatives, and community organizations to coordinate prevention strategies, share intelligence, and strengthen public awareness efforts. The goal, officials said, is not only to respond to trafficking incidents but to stop them before they happen.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones underscored the seriousness of the threat and the importance of interagency cooperation.

“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and there is no place for it in South Florida. As millions of visitors arrive for the World Cup, law enforcement, businesses, and community leaders are working together to ensure that traffickers find no safe haven here,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones. “The Southern District of Florida is committed to identifying victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and holding those who profit from human exploitation fully accountable. Our message is simple: if you traffic human beings in South Florida, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek justice for your victims.”

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle highlighted the long-term harm caused by trafficking, particularly the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including children, and stressed the importance of sustained partnerships.

“Human traffickers revel in their ability to dehumanize their victims, particularly their child victims, by stripping them of their individuality and turning them into walking money machines dispensing cash to the trafficker,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “Only effective partnerships, such as our partnership with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and our local, state and federal law enforcement communities, combined with the help and assistance of our business and educational communities can end the activities of these criminal traffickers.”

Education institutions also played a role in the discussion. Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez pointed to the importance of student awareness and academic involvement in prevention efforts.

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““As one of Florida’s preeminent universities, Florida International University remains at the forefront of educating and empowering students to protect themselves and others from the dangers of human trafficking,” said Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez. “Together with Attorney General James Uthmeier, the FIU community will not rest until every human trafficking ring is dismantled and eradicated, and traffickers are brought to justice.””

Business leaders and industry organizations echoed similar concerns, noting that large visitor populations require heightened vigilance across both public and private sectors.

Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the broad societal impact of trafficking and the need for constant attention.

“Human trafficking is a direct threat to Florida’s children, our safety, our communities, and our long-term prosperity,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “This is a key public safety issue that requires constant vigilance and strong partnerships across every sector. The Florida Chamber and our member businesses are proud to work alongside Attorney General James Uthmeier and law enforcement agencies across the state to serve as a second layer of defense, helping raise awareness, strengthen vigilance, and ensure traffickers have no place to operate in Florida.”

Tourism leaders also highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that Florida’s massive visitor economy creates both opportunity and responsibility.

“With 2.2 million visitors in our state every day, a strong partnership between the Florida tourism industry and law enforcement is vital to prevent and disrupt human trafficking,” said VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Bryan Griffin. “VISIT FLORIDA is committed to doing our part to keep Floridians and visitors safe. We are grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Uthmeier and state and local law enforcement.”

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce also stressed the importance of business involvement, especially as Miami prepares to welcome global audiences for events like the FIFA World Cup.

“The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is proud to convene business, nonprofit, and law enforcement leaders to address the critical issue of human trafficking as Miami prepares to welcome the world for events like the FIFA World Cup. Human trafficking has no place in our community, and businesses have an important role to play as a second line of defense by recognizing warning signs and partnering with law enforcement,” said Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Alfred Sanchez. “We thank Attorney General James Uthmeier, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, U.S. Attorney Jason Quinones, and our law enforcement partners for their leadership and commitment to engaging the business community in this effort. Together, we are sending a clear message that Miami stands united against human trafficking.”

Federal law enforcement agencies reinforced the message of coordination and shared responsibility. FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles pointed to ongoing interagency collaboration.

“FBI Miami and our law enforcement partners work collaboratively to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks,” said FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles. “Together, our interagency partnerships strengthen our shared mission and impact on South Florida.”

Homeland Security Investigations echoed that commitment, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach during the upcoming global events.

“HSI Miami is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, business leaders, and community partners to strengthen relationships and combat human trafficking in our communities,” said Homeland Security Investigation acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa. “As we host the World Cup, we are united in our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking, and together, we form a united front, dedicated to protecting Floridians, supporting survivors, and ensuring our communities remain safe for all.”

Private sector partners are also contributing to prevention efforts. Uber announced continued collaboration with state officials and nonprofit organizations to expand awareness and reporting tools for drivers and riders.

“Uber is proud to continue supporting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in our shared mission to combat human trafficking,” said Lizzie Pittinger, Uber Senior Associate for Public Policy. “With an anticipated surge in travel this summer, we recognize a heightened responsibility to keep Florida safe for everyone on the move. Building on our ongoing driver education efforts, we are partnering with It’s a Penalty to deliver critical awareness materials on the signs of human trafficking and how to report these incidents. Uber riders and drivers are the eyes and ears of the road, and we believe that by educating our network, we can empower our communities to take action and prevent these horrific crimes.”

Officials say the coordinated response reflects years of expanding cooperation across Florida. Since taking office in February 2025, Attorney General Uthmeier has overseen what state officials describe as record-breaking enforcement results, including 1,700 human trafficking and exploitation-related arrests and a 32% increase in convictions.

A key milestone in that effort was a February 2026 agreement between the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force. The memorandum of understanding included $1.5 million in operational funding and expanded prosecutorial support for investigations and deterrence efforts.

As Florida prepares for an influx of global visitors, officials say the message is clear: prevention, coordination, and vigilance will remain central to the state’s strategy. Authorities are also continuing to encourage businesses to join awareness programs such as the 100 Percent Club, which provides training to help identify and report trafficking activity.

For law enforcement and community partners alike, the focus remains steady—protecting vulnerable individuals, strengthening public awareness, and ensuring that large-scale international events do not become opportunities for exploitation.