Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies announced the arrest of 56 individuals following a nine-day human trafficking enforcement operation in Tarrant County. The initiative took place during the FIFA World Cup and spanned Arlington, Fort Worth, and other areas within the county.
Authorities stated that the multi-agency effort aimed to disrupt trafficking networks and protect potential victims during the influx of visitors associated with the major sporting event.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn described human trafficking as modern-day slavery in a written statement. During a news conference, he addressed those still involved in such activities, stating that law enforcement would not tolerate the behavior in the greater Tarrant County area. Waybourn emphasized that the operation focused on both rescuing individuals and securing arrests.
Sgt. Tarik Muslimovic of the Arlington Police Department detailed the methods used by officers, who posed as sex workers online to identify individuals allegedly seeking to pay for sexual services. This approach led to the arrest of 13 men on solicitation charges. Additionally, officers conducted four face-to-face undercover operations targeting those attempting to purchase sex, resulting in 18 further arrests.
Muslimovic noted that these partnerships are critical when large events bring significant numbers of visitors to the region.
Ten of the arrested individuals were charged with online solicitation of a minor. Authorities indicated that these suspects allegedly sought to exploit children aged four to 15. Fourteen additional investigations remain active, with arrest warrants pending.
