MIAMI — Miami is gearing up to host several major national and international events over the next year, including festivities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the World Baseball Classic and Ultra Music Festival.

With thousands of visitors expected to come to South Florida, safety is top of mind for Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

A key focus: fighting human trafficking.

“We need to know the signs. We need everybody’s eyes and ears,” Rundle said.

Florida’s attorney general was in Miami to present more than $1 million to the county’s Human Trafficking Center. The funding is aimed at strengthening efforts to target anyone looking to exploit the influx of visitors during these high-profile events.

“Everybody wants to come here, everybody wants to be part of us,” Rundle said. “When the good guys come and they want to enjoy our community, we all want to do it together. But bad guys come, and you heard that bad guys come.”

Rundle said the money will go toward undercover operations and expanding enforcement efforts.

“Thanks to you, general, this new funding you’re providing will be available to not only continue what we do but to expand so we can meet the needs of the increase with the operations of all of the folks coming to town,” she said.

Rundle said funding for the Human Trafficking Center had dwindled, making the new money critical to continuing and expanding operations.

Officials also noted there are already kiosks set up throughout the county encouraging people to report suspected human trafficking.

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