ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta, partners lead Operation Red Card to combat human trafficking ahead of World Cup

ATLANTA - HSI Atlanta and its law enforcement partners launched Operation Red Card, a multiagency effort targeting human trafficking and child exploitation during the World Cup.

This 33-day operation showcased law enforcement's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring public safety as Atlanta hosted a major international event.

"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."

"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."

"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. CJCC is honored to support this collaborative effort by ensuring survivors have access to compassionate, trauma-informed care and the resources they need to begin the next chapter of their lives," said Jay Neal, executive director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. "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 operation resulted in:

• 153 arrests
• 54 victims offered services or rescued

Those arrested face charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and gun offenses, and other serious crimes. Many of the individuals had prior histories of violent offenses such as murder, kidnapping and child molestation. All charges are accusations; evidence supporting any charges must be presented to a trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The arrested individuals included people in positions of public responsibility:

• Two doctors
• One nurse
• Four military service members

Cases will be presented to DeKalb County, Henry County, Gwinnett County, Rockdale County, Fulton County, and Cobb County District Attorney's Office and other relevant prosecutorial agencies for review.

Participating agencies included the GBI, CJCC, Brookhaven Police Department, Dekalb County Sheriff's Office, DeKalb County District Attorney's Office, Grovetown Police Department, Hall County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, United States Secret Service, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Chamblee Police Department, Dekalb County Police Department, Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, Conyers Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, College Park Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Roswell Police Department.