Major Crime Sweep Nets 200 Arrests Before World Cup in Dallas

Massive Security Operation Concludes

Federal and local law enforcement agencies wrapped up a sweeping 10-week crime operation across North Texas this week, arresting more than 200 people and seizing massive quantities of drugs and weapons ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "Operation Red Card" began in March and targeted what officials called "the worst of the worst" criminals in the region.

The operation netted 800 kilograms of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 280 firearms, and $6 million in cash, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. Those arrested included kidnappers, human traffickers, drug dealers, and armed robbers. The coordinated effort brought together prosecutors and officers from multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security, alongside Dallas and Frisco police departments.

"This operation has been about preparing for the FIFA World Cup and cleaning up our streets," Raybould told reporters during a downtown Dallas press conference. "While the sun may be setting on this operation, the work of protecting North Texans will continue well beyond this operation and well beyond the FIFA World Cup."

World Cup Security Preparations

The Dallas-Fort Worth area will host nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington—more than any other location in the country. Teams from Croatia and Sweden will establish base camps in North Texas, while Dallas will host the International Broadcast Center and a month-long fan festival at Fair Park.

Beyond Operation Red Card, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux revealed that fugitive operations tied to the U.S. Marshals Task Force have led to more than 1,300 additional arrests involving felony warrants. "We're over 1300 arrests of individuals that don't belong on the streets because of felony warrants," he said.

The city has also deployed eight drone docking stations as part of enhanced surveillance capabilities. "When those drones are up, you can see clearly different criminal activities that are taking place," Comeaux explained.

Ongoing Federal Partnership

Local officials emphasized that federal cooperation will continue beyond the operation's conclusion. "We can pick the phone and make a call and ask the U.S. attorney to really lay down that hammer on the worst of the worst," Chief Comeaux said.

The operation's name references soccer's red card penalty—when referees eject players for serious fouls or violent conduct. Officials chose this terminology to symbolize removing dangerous criminals from the community. Raybould, a former professional soccer player himself, said the initiative aims to ensure international visitors "remain safe and enjoy the game and their time in North Texas."

With the World Cup's first match in Arlington scheduled for June 14, this massive security effort represents one of the largest coordinated law enforcement operations in North Texas history. The scale of arrests and seizures suggests authorities are taking unprecedented steps to ensure the safety of the estimated millions of visitors expected to flood the region this summer.