Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across North Texas announced Thursday a coordinated crackdown on violent crime ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Officials said the new initiative, dubbed “Operation Red Card,” is already producing arrests, drug seizures, and federal charges.
“This is an exciting time to live and be in North Texas,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould said, emphasizing that the region will host nine matches during the 2026 tournament. “I want to make sure that our citizens, the fans who travel here … can enjoy the World Cup free of any threats or violence.”
The operation, which began March 14 and runs through June 14 — the date of the first match in Arlington, targets violent offenders, drug traffickers, and human traffickers through a partnership of federal and local North Texas police departments. They include the Dallas Police Department, Ft Worth Police Department, Arlington Police Department, and the Mansfield Police Department…