Officials look to educate public about trafficking dangers ahead of World Cup

MIAMI — Amanda Altma, the CEO of Kristi House, knows from experience how traffickers leverage large sporting events.

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Kristi House is a Miami-based non-profit that provides trauma-informed care to trafficking victims.

Miami-Dade County’s law enforcement community and prosecutors are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup and launching an awareness campaign.

“(We are) getting people to literally care about one another in society,” said Philippa King, Deputy CEO of It’s a Penalty.

Passengers flying into Miami International Airport in major carries, including American Airlines, will see a video on their flight regarding trafficking safety.

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“A young boy saw the film and called out,” said King. “One life we helped.”

A spokesperson for Uber said they are rolling out in-app resources and education material for drivers, another key group who can help in this multi-agency effort that includes front line workers from TSA, hotel and hospitality workers to stadium staff.

“Hotels can be exploited by traffickers who want to hide in the shadows,” said Glenn Sampert, general manager of InterContinental Miami by IHG.

Officials spoke about some of the signs to look out for, including woman who defer to man and seem overall attached to them and that don’t have access to paperwork or money to purchase items.

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HOW TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Call: 305-349-7867 (305-FIX-STOP)

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Text: 233733 (BEFREE)

humantraffickinghotline.org

National Center of Missing and Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

CyberTipline: https://itsapenalty.org/na2026/usa/miami/