Mexico’s human trafficking survivors have a message for World Cup fans

Mexico’s Human Trafficking Survivors Have a Message for World Cup Fans

Mexico s human trafficking survivors have - As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Mexico's human trafficking survivors are urging heightened awareness about the potential risks the event may pose. Karla Jacinto, now an activist in her early 30s, recounts how her life was upended at just 12 years old when she was coerced into prostitution in a Guadalajara brothel. “I cried, I screamed, I begged for help, and nobody listened to me until it got to the point where my feelings started to shut down,” she said. “At that moment, I closed my eyes after seeing the first client, the second, the third, until they became tens.”

Jacinto’s ordeal began when she was lured by a 22-year-old who promised her love, marriage, and a life of prosperity—a stark contrast to the abuse she had faced in her childhood. She moved in with him shortly after, unaware of the four years of exploitation that followed. By the time she escaped at 16, she estimated she had been raped tens of thousands of times.

Alarming Trends and Organized Crime

Human trafficking, especially for sexual and labor exploitation, is emerging as a major criminal enterprise in Mexico. According to the 2025 Global Organized Crime Index, it ranks third in profitability after drug and arms trafficking. The country’s criminal groups, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, are increasingly capitalizing on the demand for sex work, particularly in bustling urban areas.

The concern is not limited to survivors’ personal accounts. Multi-agency initiatives like “It’s a Penalty” and “World Cup Without Trafficking” have highlighted fears that the influx of millions of tourists during the World Cup could fuel the trafficking trade. The tournament will take place in three key cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, each hosting 13 matches.

Underestimating the Challenge

Survivors caution that the challenge is often underestimated. Mixi Cruz, who was forced into prostitution in Mexico City at 15, noted that the demand for sex work spiked during sporting events. “I can tell you from my own experience that during the time my trafficker sexually exploited me, there was an increase in demand for prostitution,” she said.

Despite efforts by parts of the Mexican government to collaborate with NGOs and private companies on initiatives to improve reporting, the sheer magnitude of the event makes enforcement difficult. Cruz criticized the government for not doing enough, calling the situation “a truth that Mexico is not currently prepared to host a World Cup.”

Statistics and Underreporting

Official data shows a dramatic rise in trafficking victims, with 1,154 cases reported in 2025 compared to 537 in 2017, according to Mexico’s National Public Security System. However, survivors and advocates argue these numbers barely scratch the surface. Gabriela González García, a director at Mexico City’s Citizens’ Council for Security and Justice, estimates that only about 2% of trafficking cases are ever reported to authorities.

Even when victims manage to escape, they often hesitate to press charges due to fear. This underreporting complicates efforts to assess the full scale of the crisis. Meanwhile, 13 Mexican states regulate adult prostitution, critics say, creating an environment where traffickers can operate openly, exploiting both minors and adults in the country’s thriving red-light districts.

NGO Insight into the Problem

CNN accompanied Indira Villegas, a senior technical adviser at the Latin American division of The Mekong Club, on a tour of four such districts. During the visit, dozens of sex workers were visible along busy streets, underscoring the persistent nature of the issue. While the government claims to be taking action, survivors and advocates insist that systemic corruption and lack of accountability continue to allow the trade to flourish.