Houston Daily

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events, opened a hearing focused on human trafficking at mass gatherings. The session, titled "A Scourge Against Humanity: Addressing Human Trafficking at Mass Gatherings," is the third hearing held by the task force.

In his opening remarks, McCaul highlighted the task force's ongoing work to address security concerns for major upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Anniversary. He said, “The task force provides us a unique opportunity to evaluate the range of threats facing upcoming mass gathering events — most importantly, as I stated, the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Anniversary.”

He discussed previous hearings that examined security incidents at major events and interactions with law enforcement regarding new threats like drone activity. “These discussions have informed our work to provide legislative solutions to protect these events and ensure that they showcase American leadership,” McCaul stated.

He noted recent legislative progress: “The legislation this task force was working on to counter adversarial drones at these events recently passed the House in the National Defense Authorization, which we’re very pleased to see and we thank the White House for working with us to get that language in there and passed into law.”

Addressing human trafficking specifically, McCaul said both he and Ranking Member Pou agreed it was a priority from the beginning. He referenced survivor Courtney Litvak’s story: “[She is] a person who experienced grave danger and abuse at the hands of these traffickers... I was so glad that God blessed us and saved her life and brought her home.”

McCaul cited global statistics on trafficking: “There are about an estimated 27.6 million people being trafficked worldwide — an astounding number — 77% in forced labor, 23% in sex trafficking. And men and boys account for 57% of victims, women and girls for 43%. It occurs every day in the United States and across the globe.”

He emphasized how survivors’ stories inform law enforcement efforts: “Their courage in sharing their stories... often has helped law enforcement learn how to recognize signs of exploitation, intercept criminal networks, and rescue victims.”

McCaul recounted his previous legislative efforts against trafficking: “Back in 2017, I was proud to sponsor a bill... Congressional authorization of DHS’s Blue Campaign.” He also mentioned leading legislation in 2020 requiring visa tracking by traffickers.

Looking ahead to future mass gatherings like World Cup matches or Super Bowl games, he warned that similar crimes may occur unless preventive action is taken.

As background, Michael McCaul has served multiple terms representing Texas's 10th district after defeating several challengers over recent election cycles—including Theresa Boisseau in 2024 with over 63 percent of votes (source).

“We rely on law enforcement to enforce justice... Training and coordination must extend beyond law enforcement to include — as we have here today — hotel staff, organizers, transportation,” he added.

He concluded by reiterating his commitment: “I want to do everything we can Ms. Pou and this task force, to make sure these games are safely conducted with as little of this criminal activity as possible.”