Missouri: DHS rescues 8 children from child predators during World Cup operation
OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
1:20 PM – Friday, July 10, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed a multiagency human trafficking operation that rescued eight missing children in Kansas City, Missouri, during the 2026 World Cup.
DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the North Kansas City Police Department to arrest several child predators, according to a June 22nd Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) press release.
“The operation focused on identifying and apprehending sexual predators seeking to exploit minors, as well as disrupting human trafficking networks operating in the region,” ICE said. “Through coordinated undercover efforts, law enforcement officers identified and arrested multiple individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual acts with children.”
The release outlined the scope of the offenses the suspects are charged with stemming from the operation.
For example, Jason Grouix, 50, of Pensacola, Florida, was charged in Missouri with attempted enticement of a child and attempted possession of child pornography.
47-year-old Curtis Ray Gibson of Lenexa, Kansas, was charged in federal court with attempted sex trafficking of a child.
The suspects’ digital devices have been confiscated for forensic examination as they await further legal proceedings and prosecution.
Most of the rescued minors were teenagers from the Kansas City metro area who had either run away from home or been previously reported missing, according to HSI Kansas City acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini.
ICE hailed the collaboration between federal, state and local entities aimed at protecting vulnerable people.
“Strong partnerships are the foundation of our success in combating human trafficking. Leading up to the World Cup, our joint efforts with the FBI, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and North Kansas City Police Department have been vital in protecting our community and holding offenders accountable,” stated Sabatini. “Together, we are sending a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated.”
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