Four victims have been rescued, authorities say, as more than 600 DHS officials will be in the city on Sunday for protection

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Federal authorities say 33 people have been arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, on sex trafficking charges before the Super Bowl this weekend.

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Homeland security investigations agent Nick Annan said that the arrests happened this week, but declined to discuss case specifics due to ongoing investigations, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Authorities say four victims have already been rescued. Advocates for sex trafficking victims say sex traffickers are attracted to large sporting events, such as this Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, the pinnacle of the National Football League’s sporting year.

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Douglasville police say 16 people were arrested last week as part of an undercover operation whose timing was related to the Super Bowl. Atlanta police chief Erika Shields says planning for Super Bowl security began more than two years ago. Dozens of local, state and federal agencies are assisting with security.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and county police cooperated on an investigation that involved undercover officers using local hotel rooms and social media, leading to a string of arrests.

Law enforcement leaders spoke at a press conference in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon. “This is a fantastic city. We really want people to come and just have a great time,” Shields said.

More than 600 DHS officials will be in the city on Sunday to provide security protection.

No major security threats have yet been logged against the Super Bowl event.

“We have no credible or specific threats that have been brought to our attention,” said NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier, who was formerly the police chief in Washington DC.

But ticket counterfeiting has been uncovered and the rise in forced prostitution rackets related to the influx of crowds for the event.

More than 40 local and state law enforcement agencies and 25 federal agencies are involved with providing security.

Advocacy groups against sex trafficking are out in the city working overtime to rescue women coerced into the sex trade.

“The city of Atlanta is committed to ending human trafficking of all people,” the city’s mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, said in a statement.