San José Mineta International Airport Strengthens Human Trafficking Prevention Efforts with Freedom Insight Partnership
Airport expands training efforts ahead of major sporting events coming to the Bay Area
and in recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
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January 13, 2026
Media Contact:
SJC Media | 408-392-1199 | sjcmedia@sjc.org
San José, Calif. – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is strengthening its efforts to combat human trafficking through a new partnership with Freedom Insight (formerly known as the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition). Freedom Insight is dedicated to training frontline workers – including those in airports, hotels and residential communities – to recognize and report the signs of human trafficking. The partnership comes as Silicon Valley prepares to host several major sporting events, including Super Bowl LX, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
SJC is taking a major step forward by providing in-depth and integrated human trafficking awareness training to its employees. The training is provided by Freedom Insight, a recognized leader in human trafficking awareness training for 40,000 workers across 15 airports in nine states across the country since 2014.
Airport personnel at SJC will be trained to recognize and report potential situations of human trafficking moving through the Airport, delivered in collaboration with Freedom Insight and the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking.
Human trafficking is a $150 billion criminal enterprise that affects as many as 1.1 million people in the United States. A reported 38% of human trafficking victims move through airports at some point during their exploitation.*
During Super Bowl weekend, SJC is expecting high volumes of out-of-state arrivals. With increased travel and commercial activity comes a heightened risk of human trafficking going undetected in busy transportation environments.
“Human trafficking prevention requires strong partnerships and consistent action,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Through this collaboration with Freedom Insight, San José Mineta International Airport is expanding training, education and resources that empower employees to respond appropriately and compassionately. This effort reflects the City’s commitment to public safety, equity, and ensuring our Airport remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”
“With thousands of visitors expected to arrive at SJC for major sporting events, we’re taking proactive steps to lead on safety and accountability,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Our police officers have been preparing for months and have already dismantled one operation ahead of the Super Bowl. Through our partnership with Freedom Insight, Airport staff will also be trained to spot and report human trafficking to send a clear message: we will not allow exploitation in San José.”
“Airports play a critical role in protecting people and keeping our communities safe,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. “By partnering with Freedom Insight, SJC is strengthening awareness, training and collaboration to help identify the signs of human trafficking and connect individuals to help. This work reflects our responsibility to care for passengers, employees and the broader community we serve.”
Frontline airport personnel, from custodial staff to the information desk, see thousands of travelers every day. With the right training, they can spot red flags and take action to protect vulnerable individuals who are forced into labor or the commercial sex trade. Even one trained employee could mean the difference between a victim remaining hidden or finding a pathway to safety.
* Sources: Walk Free (2023). The Global Slavery Index 2023. Mineroo Foundation. https://bit.ly/4936CYI.
U.S. Department of Transportation (2025). Countering Human Trafficking in Transportation [Fact Sheet]. https://bit.ly/4hGdRYV.
Polaris (2018). On-Ramps, Intersections, and Exit Routes: A Roadmap for Systems and Industries to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking. https://bit.ly/47ral13.
United Against Slavery (2023). National Outreach Survey for Transportation. https://bit.ly/4nxjvO5
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple.
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. In 2024, while celebrating 75 years of connecting the Bay Area with the world, SJC welcomed nearly 12 million passengers and was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
About Freedom Insight:
Freedom Insight trains workers in airports and hotels, who are uniquely positioned to see trafficking every day, to identify and report the signs of human trafficking, and intervene on behalf of victims.
About The South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking:
The South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking (www.southbayendtrafficking.org) upholds a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach in coordinating resources and strengthening local capacity to address human trafficking and exploitation. The Coalition has been successful in responding to human trafficking by improving access to services for survivors, providing training and education, and building trust between non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and community members to address human trafficking in the counties of Santa Clara and for some agencies in San Benito County. For 2026, the Coalition is prioritizing access to resources and help for anyone feeling unsafe through the Safety 4 the Bay campaign (www.safety4thebay.org).
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