MEDIA ADVISORY: Task Force Chairman McCaul Announces Hearing on Human Trafficking Prevention at World Cup, Olympics

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," announced a hearing for Wednesday, December 17, to assess efforts to prevent human trafficking at upcoming mass-gathering events on U.S. soil, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics:

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest sporting event in history, and the 2028 Olympics will draw millions of visitors to the Los Angeles area. As a former federal prosecutor, I know that while these sporting events offer powerful opportunities to showcase America's leadership and commitment to excellence, they could create opportunities for criminals to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people," Task Force Chairman McCaul said. "In this hearing, we will examine ways to prevent human trafficking operations during upcoming mass gatherings, ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources and information-sharing capabilities to effectively detect this abhorrent criminal industry, and rescue victims in our communities."

DETAILS:

What: A House Committee on Homeland Security task force hearing entitled, "A Scourge Against Humanity: Addressing Human Trafficking at Mass Gatherings"

When: Wednesday, December 17, at 2:00 PM ET

Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building

WITNESSES:

Ms. Eliza McCoy
Vice President of Programs & Impact, American Hotel and Lodging Association Foundation

Ms. Yasmin Vafa
Executive Director, Rights4Girls

Mr. Jonathan Thompson
National Sheriff's Association

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be open to the public and press. Press must be congressionally credentialed and shouldRSVP in advance.

BACKGROUND:

The Committee established the "Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States" in May 2025 to maintain oversight of security preparations for a slate of large-scale domestic and international events hosted by the United States, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026, and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles.

The 2026 World Cup will be held throughout North America in June-July 2026 and include more than 70 matches played in 11 different cities across the United States. FIFA anticipates that at least five million fans will travel to the United States for the World Cup, with as many as six billion viewers watching the event online.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in the greater Los Angeles area from July 14-August 27, 2028. The Paralympic Games will begin on August 15, 2028.

The House Homeland Security Committee's budget reconciliation investments, which were signed into law in July in the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," included $625 million for preparations related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In May, the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing to assess security measures and federal, state, local, and private-sector coordination efforts for upcoming mass-gathering events.

In July, the Task Force held a hearing to assess historical incidents and attacks at sporting events, concerts, and other mass gatherings in anticipation of upcoming high-profile, international events on U.S. soil. Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) also convened a hearing to examine the growing homeland security threats posed by drones, especially in light of the U.S.'s preparations to host major international events.

In September, the Task Force held a roundtable briefing with representatives from FIFA and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) as part of the panel's oversight of security preparations for major upcoming events hosted by the United States.

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