The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed on Wednesday that its agents apprehended 905 individuals suspected of human trafficking and "rescued" 180 victims during the FIFA World Cup 2026. This marked the most extensive anti-trafficking operation ever conducted in conjunction with a sporting event in the nation.
According to an official DHS statement, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking and federal, state, and local partners, carried out the so-called "Red Card Operation" across the 11 host cities throughout the tournament.
Out of the 180 victims rescued, 150 were adults and 30 were minors.
DHS Undersecretary Lauren Bis highlighted the operation's scope: "While Americans and international visitors enjoyed the FIFA World Cup, ICE's dedicated men and women were actively dismantling trafficking networks in the host cities nationwide."
"Federal law enforcement apprehended over 900 suspects and rescued nearly 200 victims. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we are taking apart human trafficking networks," concluded Undersecretary Bis.
One of the most severe cases unfolded on July 24, when HSI Dallas executed eight federal arrest warrants against operators of an adult bookstore on Harry Hines Boulevard, which had operated as a covert brothel for over 20 years.
The investigation, which commenced in 2023, revealed that thousands of adults and minors had been sold for commercial sex through this establishment, with numerous victims identified.
One such victim was murdered in 2024; the perpetrator received a life sentence.
The charges against those detained in Dallas include conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
On June 23, HSI San Francisco, in collaboration with the FBI and San Francisco Police, rescued two minor trafficking victims; one had been reported missing in Bakersfield, California, in November 2025.
Among the cities with the highest number of arrests were Miami-Dade, with approximately 190 detentions, and Atlanta, with 153, of which 13 were related to trafficking and 11 to child exploitation.
In Tennessee, three Cubans were arrested on July 14 in Sumner County as part of the same operation, with nine potential victims identified.
Beyond trafficking, DHS reported other security outcomes during the tournament: the seizure of over 700 unauthorized drones alongside the FBI, more than 19,000 vehicle inspections at stadium entrances, and the confiscation of over 473,000 counterfeit FIFA merchandise items valued at more than $33 million.
The Trump administration deployed ICE and HSI agents to all venues from the tournament's start on June 11, with the stated goal of addressing serious crimes without conducting massive immigration raids.
Key Insights on DHS Anti-Trafficking Efforts During FIFA World Cup
What was the purpose of the "Red Card Operation" conducted by DHS?
The "Red Card Operation" aimed to combat human trafficking in the host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2026, resulting in the arrest of over 900 suspects and the rescue of 180 victims.
How many victims were rescued during the operation?
A total of 180 victims were rescued, comprising 150 adults and 30 minors.
What role did HSI Dallas play in the operation?
HSI Dallas executed eight federal arrest warrants against operators of an adult bookstore that functioned as a covert brothel for over two decades.