US police have seized 280 illegal firearms and made more than 1,300 arrests in a massive crackdown aimed at protecting England fans during the World Cup. The operation, dubbed Operation Red Card, has been hailed as an "extraordinary success" by authorities.
Massive Seizures and Arrests
Alongside the guns, law enforcement officials confiscated 800 kilograms of methamphetamine, 50 kilograms of cocaine, 20 kilograms of fentanyl, and approximately £4 million in cash. The operation targeted towns and cities around the venue for England's first match in Texas against Croatia on June 18.
Northern District of Texas US Attorney Ryan Raybould described those arrested as "some of the worst of the worst." He said: "This operation has been about preparing for the FIFA World Cup and cleaning up our streets. It is evident that this operation has been an extraordinary success leading up to the FIFA World Cup. We're ready to protect and serve, and there is no one who will work harder to put you behind bars than this group up here."
Safety for England Fans
Up to 15,000 England supporters are expected to flood into the Dallas area for the match, cheering on Thomas Tuchel's squad. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington is hosting nine games during the tournament, more than any other venue. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux praised the coordination between local and federal agencies. "Right here, this is what right looks like. Us, working together to keep everyone safe in Dallas," he said.
Comeaux noted that fugitive operations tied to the US Marshals Task Force led to the arrests. "We're over 1,300 arrests of individuals that don't belong on the streets because of felony warrants," he added.
Balancing Security and Welcome
Raybould addressed concerns about balancing heightened security with a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. He emphasised that law enforcement officers are not only enforcing the law but also engaging in outreach and reentry events. Jake Holmes, US attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, linked immigration enforcement to drug trafficking investigations, stating: "Tackling illegal immigration and tackling drug trafficking are really one in the same fight."
Joseph Rothrock, FBI special agent in charge, said security planning from previous Super Bowls served as a reference, but the World Cup's scale is much larger. "Here in Dallas, that'll be more matches than any other host city in the United States," he noted. "As far as comparing this World Cup to previous World Cups, it really doesn't compare. It's the first time that we've seen the World Cup hosted in three different countries."
