When the World Cup came to Massachusetts this summer, thousands of fans filled the streets — and seven men tried to exploit children in the chaos.

Between June 12 and 16, the FBI Boston's Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force arrested seven men charged with sex trafficking, enticement of a minor, and attempted rape of a child. The sting was one of several operations the FBI has run ahead of and during major international sporting events, where large crowds and increased travel create conditions that traffickers and predators actively seek out.

"Special thanks to the Boston Police, Brockton Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the FBI Albany Division for their assistance," the task force wrote — a reminder of how many agencies it takes to protect children when a major event comes to town.

The problem isn't unique to Massachusetts. Every time the United States hosts a Super Bowl, an Olympics, or a World Cup, law enforcement scrambles to respond. Temporary task forces are stood up, staffed, and then wound down. The predators come back the next time.

We're asking Congress and the Department of Justice to make this protection permanent. For every major international sporting event held on U.S. soil, there should be a dedicated, fully-funded Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in place — staffed before the event begins, with the resources to pursue every lead and protect every child.

Seven arrests is a start. But there are more children at risk, and more events on the way. Sign this petition to demand that protecting kids becomes a standard part of how America hosts the world.