The New York City Police Department rescued 43 people from human traffickers during the World Cup matches in nearby New Jersey, highlighting what law enforcement officials say is a nationwide effort to combat criminals who prey on major sporting events.

The NYPD's Special Victims Unit said 43 trafficking victims, including seven minors, were rescued between June 11 and July 19 as detectives carried out 87 targeted operations surrounding FIFA World Cup matches held in the New York metropolitan area.

Authorities arrested 89 suspects accused of operating human trafficking rings, with many of the victims identified as being exploited through sex trafficking.

"The surprise was really the outpouring of support behind the mission and the collaboration with all our partners," said Inspector Gary Marcus, commanding officer of the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, CBS News reported.

Marcus said detectives spent years preparing for the World Cup, including conducting compliance checks on known human traffickers and registered sex offenders before the tournament began.

"Whether they're on parole or probation for human trafficking, we visited them to make sure they're compliant with the terms of their release and, secondly, to let them know that the NYPD is watching," he said.

The rescued victims are now receiving assistance through the NYPD's Gender-Based Violence Police and Planning Unit, which provides housing, counseling, food, and other support services.

The operations also generated numerous investigative leads that officials say have already resulted in additional ongoing cases.

The New York effort was part of a broader nationwide crackdown coordinated among federal, state, and local agencies.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement made more than 673 human trafficking-related arrests during the World Cup while rescuing 61 adults and 13 minors nationwide.

Atlanta also became a major focus of anti-trafficking operations during the tournament.

Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta announced that "Operation Red Card" resulted in 153 arrests and the rescue of 54 trafficking victims during six weeks of enforcement tied to World Cup activities.

"There is NO safe haven for traffickers and predators," the DHS declared on X. "HSI Atlanta will continue rescuing trafficking victims, hunting human traffickers down, and bringing predators to JUSTICE."

Officials said traffickers sought to exploit the influx of visitors attending World Cup matches in metro Atlanta.

Authorities arrested suspects on charges ranging from human trafficking and child exploitation to prostitution, narcotics offenses, and outstanding warrants. Several suspects also were found with loaded firearms and body armor.

Law enforcement leaders said the operations underscore the importance of aggressive enforcement during high-profile events that can attract criminal networks looking to exploit vulnerable victims.

"Our message is clear: Atlanta is not a safe place for traffickers and predators," HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank said, WSB-TV reported. "We will find them and bring them to justice."

The FBI Kansas City division announced that 19 people were arrested and multiple others rescued, including children, in anti-trafficking operations during the World Cup in Kansas City, KMBC reported.

The FBI and the Kansas City Police Department were among more than 15 law enforcement agencies that collaborated throughout 17 operations in the area.

Officials in both New York and Atlanta said the investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue pursuing additional suspects uncovered during the World Cup operations.