As Super Bowl LX descends upon Santa Clara, law enforcement is sending a clear message: those seeking to exploit the influx of visitors will face swift consequences. Authorities are bracing for potential increases in commercial sex, and are actively working to prevent human trafficking, with a particular focus on arrests related to the purchase of sex.
Josh Singleton, Commander of the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force, told TMZ that his team, comprised of federal, state, and local officers, is “out in force” and actively enforcing laws related to prostitution. The message is direct: enjoy the Super Bowl, but refrain from engaging in commercial sex.
This heightened enforcement comes alongside the shadow of a new California law, AB 379, which criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase sex. While federal authorities have stated that ICE will not have a presence at the Super Bowl, concerns remain, particularly among sex workers who fear increased scrutiny and potential deportation.
The increased law enforcement presence is responding to an estimated 1.3 million visitors descending upon Northern California for Super Bowl week. Singleton reports a significant number of arrests have already been made, targeting both sex traffickers and pimps who exploit individuals through online and street prostitution.
Singleton described instances of individuals being forced into as many as fifteen sexual encounters per day, with traffickers retaining the majority of the profits. The demand during Super Bowl week also impacts pricing, with sessions potentially costing between $250 and $350, though competitive rates can drive prices down to as low as $60.
Undercover operations have also led to a surge in arrests of individuals purchasing sex, and Singleton anticipates this trend will continue throughout the Super Bowl weekend. The focus remains on disrupting the demand that fuels exploitation.
The increased enforcement efforts come amidst a broader debate about the effectiveness of focusing on demand versus supply in combating human trafficking. While law enforcement emphasizes the importance of arresting those who purchase sex, sex workers and advocates raise concerns about the potential for increased criminalization and vulnerability, particularly in light of AB 379 and the potential for ICE involvement.
The message from authorities is clear: the Super Bowl is not an opportunity for exploitation, and those who attempt to profit from it will be held accountable.
