safety
World Cup could drive demand, but human trafficking a ‘year-round issue,’ experts say
By Marissa Greene and Cecilia Lenzen at Fort Worth Report
· June 18, 2026
· 8 min read
Long before soccer fans and tourists flocked to North Texas for the FIFA World Cup, nonprofit organizations were preparing residents for a threat that might arrive with the games and festivities: human trafficking. Anti-trafficking organizations and churches hosted forums to raise awareness and offe
Key takeaway Local police agencies said they’ll be more visible, patrolling streets around the Arlington stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The heightened awareness of human trafficking during the World Cup is a welcome development in Fort Worth , where the issue is a persistent concern. As the fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth is a major hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, making it a potential hotspot for trafficking activity. The city's proximity to the World Cup events in Arlington and Dallas means that local law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations must be vigilant in their efforts to prevent and identify trafficking cases. The Fort Worth Police Department's increased visibility and undercover operations during this time will be crucial in addressing the issue. Moreover, the involvement of local churches and nonprofit organizations in raising awareness and providing prevention resources underscores the importance of a community-wide approach to combating human trafficking in Fort Worth. Residents can play a critical role by knowing the signs of trafficking and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Long before soccer fans and tourists flocked to North Texas for the FIFA World Cup, nonprofit organizations were preparing residents for a threat that might arrive with the games and festivities: human trafficking. Anti-trafficking organizations and churches hosted forums to raise awareness and offe
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Marissa Greene and Cecilia Lenzen at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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