While soccer fans gathered across North Texas for World Cup festivities, local and federal law enforcement agencies carried out a series of targeted operations, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the rescue of many human trafficking victims.
From June 1 to July 15, the Dallas Police Department and federal partners conducted coordinated operations to reduce violent crime, capture fugitives, and dismantle human trafficking networks in high-density entertainment and business sectors.
One important endeavor, entitled “Operation Uptown Downtown,” was dedicated to identifying fugitives in Deep Ellum, Uptown, and the Central Business District.
According to Dallas Police Sgt. Sheldon Smith, the operation resulted in a total of 725 arrests over six weeks.
Simultaneously, law enforcement conducted “Operation Safe Streets,” a regional operation aimed at those involved in sex and human trafficking. The multi-agency effort resulted in multiple arrests, including a one-day operation that detained 50 people.
Officials reported that eight human trafficking victims were rescued during the crackdowns and have subsequently been linked to regional outreach and support programs.
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