State officials in New Jersey announced a coordinated anti-human trafficking operation tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup that involved 44 local, county, state, and federal agencies and led to 71 arrests and the recovery or identification of 97 suspected trafficking victims. The operations targeted buyers of commercial sex and other exploitative offenses, with cases being handled by the respective county prosecutor’s offices. Authorities worked with Covenant House, Volunteers of America, and the New Jersey State Police’s Operation RISE to identify victims and connect them with services such as housing, mental health care, legal assistance, and substance-use treatment. Officials emphasized that large events can create opportunities for traffickers and stressed a trauma-informed approach to helping victims and pursuing accountability for perpetrators beyond the World Cup spotlight. The announcements highlighted ongoing investigations and a sustained commitment to victim support and prevention funding well after the event.