Miami Officials Announce Human Trafficking Task Force Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Miami‑Dade Sheriff's Office hosted a news conference on Wednesday, announcing a coordinated public safety plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that includes a newly created Human Trafficking Task Force. The plan brings together the sheriff’s office, the Miami‑Dade State Attorney’s Office, the Doral Police Department, and federal partners to centralize resources and intelligence.
Officials emphasized that the tournament will draw a massive international audience—FIFA estimates 6.5 million fans, nearly half from overseas—creating conditions that could heighten vulnerability to human trafficking. Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that the country‑wide increase in trafficking risk demands a robust, collaborative approach.
One of the first successes of the task force was the arrest of two men in an undercover sting carried out by the Miami‑Dade State Attorney’s Office. The operation involved a fake online ad promising sexual services. The suspects, Tomas Matom‑Gallego and Mohamed Kazim Latiff, agreed to pay for alleged juvenile victims and were apprehended once they entered a hotel room with an undercover officer. Both men have since been booked into jail.
Prior to the task force’s formation, the sheriff’s office and state attorney’s office had already been working on a broader “public safety” framework that includes intelligence sharing, rapid response teams, and community outreach. Officials said the task force is designed to be the nerve center for human trafficking investigations, offering real‑time communication between local, state, and federal agencies.
The task force’s early actions are already paying off. Since February 2025, more than 1,600 traffickers, child predators, and other exploitation‑related offenders have been arrested nationwide, with a 30% surge in convictions. The Miami‑Dade arrests are part of that national trend and demonstrate the effectiveness of a coordinated, high‑risk strategy.
Local businesses and community organizations have welcomed the initiative, noting that increased security and public awareness can protect vulnerable populations. The Miami‑Dade agenda includes public education campaigns and partnerships with NGOs that provide support for trafficking survivors. As the World Cup draws near, the task force’s work will continue to evolve in response to new intelligence and emerging threats.
In closing, officials reiterated that the task force’s mission is to protect visitors and residents alike. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. With two arrests already made, the task force is poised to mitigate risks and uphold the safety of the Miami community during the global sporting event.