ATLANTA - Federal and state law enforcement arrested 153 people and rescued or offered services to 54 victims in a 33-day human trafficking and child exploitation operation timed to the World Cup, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations announced Wednesday.
Operation Red Card, led by HSI Atlanta alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and more than 20 local agencies, targeted traffickers and predators drawn to the international event. Those arrested face charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and gun offenses. Many had prior histories of violent offenses such as murder, kidnapping, and child molestation.
“As the world’s eyes were on Atlanta and the city was filled with global visitors, traffickers and predators saw an opportunity-but so did we,” said Steven N. Schrank, the special agent in charge of HSI in Georgia and Alabama. “Operation Red Card sent a clear message: those who exploit the vulnerable will be found and brought to justice. The safety of our children and our communities is non-negotiable, and we will never relent in our pursuit of those who threaten them.”
Among those arrested were two doctors, one nurse, and four military service members — people in positions of public responsibility, according to ICE. Cases will be presented to the DeKalb County, Henry County, Gwinnett County, Rockdale County, Fulton County, and Cobb County District Attorney’s Offices and other prosecutorial agencies for review.
“Protecting our children and stopping human trafficking demands a united front. When local, state, and federal law enforcement work as one, we combine our strengths, share our resources, and stand united in our mission,” said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. “Predators thrive in silence. We stand together to expose them, protect the vulnerable, and ensure they are held accountable.”
Jay Neal, executive director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, said the operation demonstrated the value of pairing enforcement with victim care. “Operation Red Card is an example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement, victim service providers, and community partners come together with a shared commitment to protect people from exploitation,” Neal said. “We are grateful for the partnership of Homeland Security Investigations, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, and agencies across Georgia that work tirelessly to identify victims, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen our collective response to human trafficking.”
The multiagency coalition included the Brookhaven Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Police Department, Grovetown Police Department, Chamblee Police Department, Conyers Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, College Park Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Roswell Police Department, Henry County Police Department, and Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. All charges are accusations; evidence must be presented to a trial jury to determine guilt or innocence.