safety
3 men arrested in Miami-Dade child sex trafficking sting ahead of FIFA matches
By Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
Three men were arrested Thursday after responding to an undercover ad seeking to arrange paid sex with people they believed were underage girls, authorities said. The sting was part of a multi-agency operation launched ahead of FIFA matches expected to draw more visitors to Miami -Dade County. Invest
Key takeaway Detectives said Xavier Lopez, 30, of Miami Beach, called a number listed on the ad and agreed to pay $400 for what he believed would be a half-hour with two juvenile girls.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrests of three men in a child sex trafficking sting operation ahead of FIFA matches in Miami-Dade County raise concerns about the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations during large events. As a major hub for international visitors, Miami's law enforcement agencies must be vigilant in combating human trafficking, particularly when the area is expected to draw large crowds. The fact that these men responded to an undercover ad seeking to arrange paid sex with minors underscores the need for continued efforts to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable. Miami-Dade County's proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America, coupled with its status as a major tourist destination, makes it a prime location for human traffickers to operate. The success of this multi-agency operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in preventing and prosecuting these crimes, and the community should remain alert to the risks of human trafficking in the lead-up to major events like the FIFA matches.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Three men were arrested Thursday after responding to an undercover ad seeking to arrange paid sex with people they believed were underage girls, authorities said. The sting was part of a multi-agency operation launched ahead of FIFA matches expected to draw more visitors to Miami-Dade County. Invest
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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