HSI steps up “Operation Red Card” for World Cup security

With the 2026 World Cup just 20 days away, Homeland Security Investigations is ramping up efforts to stop high‑level criminal activity from entering the U.S. during the massive influx of fans expected across North America. While immigration enforcement is often the most visible part of the agency’s work, officials say their mission extends far beyond removals. As part of “Operation Red Card,” agents will focus on threats such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and other transnational crimes that could exploit the tournament’s scale and global attention.