When most people think about human trafficking, they imagine it happening somewhere else—a distant country or a major city far from their own community. What many do not realize is that it’s happening right here in South Florida, affecting women, men, and children from all backgrounds. As our region prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for FIFA World Cup events, it is more important than ever that we understand the risks and recognize the warning signs.
The scope of the problem is larger than most people realize. A recent report commissioned by the State of Florida and developed by researchers at the University of South Florida estimated that approximately 200,000 people were victims of sex trafficking in Florida in 2024, with minors accounting for nearly half of those victims. The same report estimated that more than 540,000 people experienced labor exploitation or labor trafficking statewide. In anticipation of major international events, including FIFA World Cup matches in Miami-Dade County, Florida recently invested $1.5 million in anti-trafficking prevention and training initiatives.
One of the biggest misconceptions about human trafficking is that victims are kidnapped by strangers. More often, trafficking begins with manipulation. A trafficker may offer friendship, gifts, financial assistance, housing, employment, or affection. What starts as attention and support can gradually become coercion and control.
Traffickers prey on vulnerability—whether poverty, homelessness, family instability, immigration status, addiction, past trauma, or simply a desire to belong. While undocumented individuals can be especially vulnerable because of language barriers or fear of authorities, trafficking victims come from every background. They can be citizens, students, professionals, runaway youth, or members of affluent families. Human trafficking does not discriminate.
Major international events can create conditions that increase trafficking risks. Large crowds, tourism, nightlife, temporary workers, and heightened demand for entertainment can create opportunities for traffickers to operate and profit. While sporting events do not cause human trafficking, they can create environments where traffickers seek to exploit larger, more transient populations.
At Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach, we work with survivors every day through our Bakhita Empowerment Program, helping victims of all forms of human trafficking move from crisis to recovery. Through intensive case management, safety planning, advocacy, emotional support, and crisis intervention, we help survivors rebuild their lives.
Recovery is rarely quick. The trauma caused by trafficking can affect every aspect of a person's life, including physical health, mental health, relationships, employment, housing stability, and self-worth. Survivors often need months or even years of support to heal and regain independence.
Our team coordinates housing, legal assistance, medical care, counseling, education and employment services, substance abuse treatment, translation services, transportation, and emergency financial assistance throughout the recovery journey. We help provide food, clothing, cell phones, and support replacing identification and other documents that are often lost, stolen, or withheld during exploitation. We also work alongside law enforcement and fellow service providers through the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force to strengthen prevention efforts and support victims.
South Florida's status as an international gateway, with its tourism, hospitality, and service industries, makes awareness and prevention efforts especially important year-round. Pay attention to warning signs: Victims often hide in plain sight. They may appear fearful, anxious, depressed, vulnerable, or unable to speak freely. They may work excessive hours for little pay, lack access to their own identification or money, live in overcrowded conditions, or show signs of abuse, neglect, or untreated medical issues.
No single indicator confirms that someone is being trafficked, but recognizing these patterns can help identify individuals who may need assistance and protection.
Remember, human trafficking is not someone else's problem—it is happening here in our own communities. Awareness saves lives. Prevention matters. And together, we can help ensure that every person is treated with dignity, freedom, and respect.
If you suspect human trafficking, contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Ellen T. Wayne, Ed.D., is CEO and Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach, a comprehensive nonprofit family service organization serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Learn more at CCDPB.org.
