WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Vice Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the bipartisan “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States,” delivered an opening statement in a hearing to assess efforts to prevent human trafficking at upcoming mass-gathering events on U.S. soil, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Watch Vice Chairman McCaul’s opening statement.
 

As prepared for delivery: 

Welcome to the third hearing of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States. This task force provides us a unique opportunity to evaluate the range of threats facing upcoming mass gathering events — most immediately the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Anniversary in the summer of 2026.

Over the past several months, we have examined historic security incidents at major events, engaged with federal law enforcement on emerging threats such as malicious drone activity, and held in-depth discussions with security leadership from FIFA and the Los Angeles Olympics. These discussions have informed our work to provide legislative solutions to protect these events and ensure they showcase American leadership. In fact, the legislation this task force was working on to counter adversarial drones at these events recently passed the House in the NDAA.

When we first established this task force, Ranking Member Pou and I agreed that human trafficking associated with these events would be among the challenges we addressed.

The United States stands as a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity. Yet every day, millions of people are subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation. As we prepare to host the largest international sporting event in history, it is essential that law enforcement, advocacy groups, industry partners, and the federal government work together to disrupt trafficking operations and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Today, an estimated 27.6 million people are being trafficked worldwide: 77 percent in forced labor and 23 percent in sex trafficking. Men and boys account for 57 percent of victims, women and girls for 43 percent. Trafficking occurs every day in the U.S., across the globe, and in our own communities. 

While much about this crime remains hidden, the experiences of survivors must inform our response. Their courage in sharing their stories has helped law enforcement learn how to recognize signs of exploitation, intercept criminal networks, and rescue victims.

I have long been committed to eradicating the societal scourge that is human trafficking. Back in 2017, I was proud to sponsor a bill, which has since become law, granting Congressional authorization to DHS’s Blue Campaign. That legislation has enabled the Department of Homeland Security to properly coordinate anti-human trafficking activities while also serving as a resource to state and local law enforcement personnel working to end human trafficking.

In 2020, I led legislation requiring the U.S. Department of State to track and report when and where traffickers applied for U.S. visas and were denied. This bill also extended the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking through 2025, ensuring survivors continue to have a platform to advise the President’s Interagency Task Force on policies to combat trafficking. I’m extremely proud that with us today is Courtney Litvak, a member of that advisory council and a truly inspiring young woman I’ve been honored work with over the years. 

As much as we rely on law enforcement to enforce justice and put a stop to the transnational criminal organizations and trafficking rings responsible for this heinous crime, advocacy groups and industry partners also play a critical role through providing intelligence and raising public awareness.

Training and coordination must extend beyond law enforcement to include hotel staff, venue security, event organizers, transportation personnel, and other frontline workers. These individuals are often the first to identify signs of trafficking. Early detection and intervention will be essential. 

Today’s hearing is an important step in preparing our nation for the scale of what lies ahead. It is our responsibility to ensure these historic events are remembered not only for their celebration of international coordination and pride, but for our commitment to protecting the ideals this nation was founded upon. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and continuing our work to confront this challenge with the urgency it demands.

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