NEWARK, N.J., January 12, 2026 – U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team player Sergiño Dest is teaming up with NJ Transit to raise awareness about human trafficking as the World Cup approaches,urging vigilance among fans and commuters.
Protecting Communities Beyond the Pitch
The partnership aims to leverage the high-profile event to combat a hidden crime that often exploits large gatherings.
- Dest and NJ Transit launched a joint campaign on Instagram to highlight the risks of human trafficking during major events.
- Major sporting events can regrettably become hotspots for exploitation, according to anti-trafficking organizations.
- NJ Transit’s Safe Passage campaign provides resources for identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations.
- The public plays a crucial role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity, not through intervention, but through observation.
Dest and NJ Transit shared a video on Instagram with the caption: “Some fights matter more than the game. Using my platform to stand up for those who need protection the most.” In the video, Dest emphasized the importance of protecting fans, families, and communities during the World Cup. “Major events bring excitement, but they can also bring a big risk,” Dest stated. “If you see somthing that doesn’t feel right,don’t stay silent. Your awareness can definitely help protect someone in danger and keep our communities safe.”
Agape International Missions, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking globally, notes that major sporting events can create opportunities for traffickers. The organization states that a “major sporting event, has the possibility of becoming a hotspot for human trafficking.”
Dest’s involvement is part of NJ Transit’s Safe Passage campaign, designed to increase awareness of human trafficking during large events, including the upcoming World Cup games scheduled at MetLife Stadium.
“Human trafficking is a crime that exploits people through force,fraud,or coercion for labor or commercial sex,” NJ Transit explained. “It can occur in many environments, including large public spaces, but most people will never encounter it directly.”
According to NJ transit’s Safe Passage campaign, federal agencies report that tips frequently come from the public’s observations, rather than direct interventions or emergencies. Signs of potential human trafficking, as outlined by NJ Transit, include:
- Someone appearing fearful, disoriented, or unable to communicate independently.
- An individual being closely monitored or controlled by another person.
- Indications that someone may not have the freedom to leave or move about as they wish.
NJ Transit strongly advises riders who suspect a situation to avoid direct intervention and instead report thier concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Individuals can contact:
- 911
- NJ TRANSIT Police Department: 1-888-TIPS-NJT (1-888-847-7658) or text NJTPD (65873)
- NJ TRANSIT personnel
- National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7, confidential, anonymous options available): 1-888-373-7888 or text BE FREE (233733)
- New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline: 855-END-NJHT (855-363-6548)
