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.
Raybould said the effort has already led to the recovery of more than 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, 31 kilograms of cocaine, and 15 kilograms of fentanyl, along with 81 firearms. Authorities have also charged 132 people with crimes ranging from drug trafficking to kidnapping.
“We’re doing great work, and it will continue,” he said. “If you’re considering traveling to North Texas because you think this will be a target-rich environment to commit crimes, please think again.”
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Jay R. Combs said his office has charged 39 additional violent offenders in Collin and Denton counties.
“Operation Red Card is designed to target bad actors and get them off the field, that is, out of our communities and into jail where they belong,” Combs said.
Federal officials said intelligence-sharing and joint task forces are central to the operation. Special Agent in Charge of FBI Dallas Joseph Rothrock said agents are focused on “the most prolific, violent and dangerous offenders” through partnerships with local police.
Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas Joseph Tucker emphasized the role of narcotics in fueling violence, especially fentanyl.
“Drug trafficking is not a victimless enterprise,” Tucker said. “It drives shootings, robberies, human exploitation, and instability in communities.”
Local police chiefs said the partnership allows them to pursue tougher federal charges. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux called the initiative “an extra hammer that we can use for the worst of the worst.”
Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia added, “Violence has absolutely no place in Fort Worth or in our surrounding cities. We’re going to use every available tool to stop you.”
Arlington Police Chief AL JonesEmily Capetillo
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones said regional cooperation has already helped reduce violent crime in his city, and will be key as the World Cup approaches.
Officials also warned that unauthorized drones over stadiums during matches could lead to federal charges.
“The purpose is to let anyone out there know that if they intend to hurt people, we’re going to bring them to justice,” Raybould said.
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