HSI Atlanta Rescued 54 Trafficking Victims During World Cup
You were brought to Atlanta with promises of work — and ended up trapped. During the 2026 World Cup, a 33-day federal operation called Operation Red Card swept through the city, rescuing 54 trafficking victims and arresting 153 people. For survivors who are undocumented or out of status, the path forward is unclear — but immigration options do exist.
You came to the US hoping for work or a better life — and instead found yourself controlled, threatened, and unable to leave. That is the reality for many of the 54 people rescued or offered services during Operation Red Card, a 33-day law enforcement sweep that ran through Atlanta during the 2026 World Cup.
What Happened
HSI Atlanta — the Homeland Security Investigations field office covering Georgia and Alabama — led the multiagency operation alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, local police departments, and federal partners including the US Secret Service and Customs and Border Protection. The operation ended July 30, 2026, with 153 people arrested on charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and gun offenses, and other serious crimes. All charges are accusations; guilt must be determined by a jury.
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Among those arrested were two doctors, one nurse, and four military service members — people in positions of public trust. Many had prior histories of violent offenses. Cases are being referred to district attorneys in DeKalb, Henry, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Fulton, and Cobb counties. "Those who exploit the vulnerable will be found and brought to justice," said Steven N. Schrank, the special agent in charge of HSI in Georgia and Alabama. "The safety of our children and our communities is non-negotiable."
For the 54 people identified as victims, law enforcement connected them with victim service providers offering trauma-informed care. Jay Neal, executive director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, said survivors are being given access to resources "to begin the next chapter of their lives." If any of those victims are undocumented or in the US on an expired visa, they may qualify for immigration relief specifically designed for trafficking survivors — but they need to act quickly and with legal help.
What to do
- If you or someone you know was a trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Trained staff can connect you with legal and immigration help.
- Ask an immigration attorney about a T visa — a special visa for trafficking victims that can lead to lawful status and eventually a green card. You do not need to be in the US legally to apply.
- Do not speak to law enforcement about your immigration status without a lawyer present. Trafficking victims have specific legal protections, but those protections work best when an attorney is involved from the start.
- If you are in removal proceedings (the formal process where a judge decides whether you are deported), tell your attorney immediately that you were a trafficking victim. This information can change the outcome of your case.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Trafficking survivors have some of the strongest immigration protections in US law. A T visa allows victims to stay in the US, get work authorization, and eventually apply for a green card — and it does not require the victim to have entered the country legally. If a survivor is already in removal proceedings, an attorney can file a motion to reopen the case within 90 days of a final order, or argue for a stay of removal while the T visa application is pending. Do not wait — consult an immigration attorney who specializes in trafficking cases as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was a trafficking victim and I am undocumented. Can I still get immigration help?
Yes. The T visa is specifically for trafficking victims and does not require you to have entered the US legally or to have a valid visa. You may also be protected from deportation while your application is reviewed. Talk to an immigration attorney or a victim advocate before approaching any government agency on your own.
Will reporting that I was trafficked get me deported?
Not automatically. Law enforcement agencies working trafficking cases are generally required to certify victims for immigration relief, not report them for deportation. However, your situation depends on your specific case. An attorney can help you understand your rights before you speak to anyone officially.
What is a T visa and how is it different from other visas?
A T visa is a special immigration status created specifically for survivors of human trafficking. It gives you the right to stay in the US, work legally, and access certain federal benefits. After three years on a T visa — or when the investigation or prosecution ends — you may be able to apply for a green card (permanent residency).
I have a removal order. Can a trafficking case stop my deportation?
Possibly. If you have a final removal order, an attorney can file a motion to reopen your case within 90 days of that order, or request an I-246 Stay of Deportation (fee: $155 in 2026) to pause removal while your T visa application is processed. Time matters — contact a lawyer immediately.