More than 50 individuals were arrested and charged in a multi-agency crackdown on human trafficking and child exploitation during the FIFA World Cup in North Texas.
On Monday, law enforcement officials announced that the Tarrant County Sheriff’s office, Fort Worth Police Department, Arlington Police Department, FBI Dallas Division, and the U.S. Secret Service had arrested 56 people as part of Operation Red Card.
The operation took place in June and July and focused on individuals suspected of human trafficking and child exploitation offenders.
“This operation demonstrated what happens when those agencies share information, resources and common commitment to public safety,” Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia said.
According to Fox 4 News, 10 of the 56 people arrested have been accused of trying to meet minors for sex, while 14 other investigations have arrest warrants pending.
Authorities said the suspects believed they were communicating with children ages 4 to 15. Investigators used multiple tactics, including undercover officers posing as sex workers, officers responding to online sex advertisements, and investigators posing as minors online.
Forty of those individuals were arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution after 10 suspects allegedly attempted to meet with a minor for sex.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said most of the suspects lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and that most of the cases will be prosecuted in state district courts.
However, federal prosecutors are also reviewing cases from Operation Red Card. The U.S. attorney’s office said two of the individuals have been federally charged with attempted enticement of a minor.
In addition to the arrests, officials identified more than 40 potential trafficking victims and connected them with services through the nonprofit Unbound Now. The victims now have access to services including emergency clothing, transportation, medical care, safe housing, counseling, and education assistance.
Although the World Cup has ended, officials said investigations are ongoing.
“And for the traffickers that are still out there, that are still operating, you chuckleheads, we are coming for you because we will not tolerate that in the greater Tarrant County area,” Waybourn said.
