Combating Human Trafficking at Major Events through Transportation

Transportation systems, including airports, bus terminals, and transit networks, serve as critical infrastructures for moving goods and people during major events like international sporting events or festivals. However, these systems also inadvertently function as facilitators for human traffickers to move their victims across regions. California, consistently reporting the highest number of human trafficking cases reported in the country, serves as a significant gateway for trafficking activity due its distinct borders and central role as a transportation hub. At the same time, transportation networks serve as crucial sites for detection and intervention of human trafficking, as public transit systems often have eyes and ears in the community that can help identify and report suspicious activities. The overarching question to be answered by this study is: How do major events impact human trafficking risks in transportation systems, and what strategies can be implemented to effectively combat human trafficking during such events? This project employs a mixed-methods approach to explore how traffickers exploit transportation systems, assess system vulnerabilities during major events, and identify effective strategies for trafficking prevention and victim identification. The 2026 Super Bowl will serve as a case study to explore these dynamics. Through focus groups, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration, this research will examine transportation vulnerabilities during major events and propose evidence-based solutions.