Brookhaven Police helped arrest 153 people and rescue or offer services to 54 victims during a 33-day human trafficking crackdown tied to the FIFA World Cup, federal officials announced Thursday, July 30.
The department joined more than 20 agencies in Operation Red Card, led by Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta under Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank. The sting targeted human trafficking and child exploitation networks operating around metro Atlanta while the city hosted World Cup matches from June 15 through July 15.
Atlanta ranked second nationally in arrests behind Miami-Dade, which tallied approximately 190. Across all 11 World Cup host cities, the operation produced more than 905 arrests and 180 rescued victims, making it the largest anti-trafficking operation ever deployed around a U.S. sporting event, according to reporting on the national results. Of the 180 victims identified nationally, 150 were adults and 30 were minors.
"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," Schrank said in the ICE announcement. "Operation Red Card sent a clear message: those who exploit the vulnerable will be found and brought to justice."
Charges and prosecutions
Those arrested in metro Atlanta face charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, and drug and gun offenses, according to ICE. Many had prior histories of violent offenses including murder, kidnapping, and child molestation.
Of the 153 local arrests, 13 involved human trafficking charges and 11 involved child exploitation, according to the same national reporting. Cases will be presented to the DeKalb County, Henry County, Gwinnett County, Rockdale County, Fulton County, and Cobb County District Attorneys' Offices for prosecution review.
Who participated
Brookhaven Police was one of more than 20 agencies named in the federal announcement. Other local participants included the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, DeKalb County Police Department, Chamblee Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council provided trauma-informed care and resources for survivors.
GBI Director Chris Hosey said the operation showed what happens when agencies unite against exploitation, adding that predators "thrive in silence" and that law enforcement will stand together to expose them and protect the vulnerable.
Brookhaven Police has not released details about its specific role, including how many officers it deployed or whether any local arrests are directly attributable to the department.
How to report
Residents who suspect trafficking can call the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-363-4842, available 24/7 in English and Spanish. To report to federal law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423. Victims seeking help can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733.
