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A coalition of several agencies recovered 70 missing children from Texas, Colorado, and Mexico after a three-week operation that ended in mid-May.
The mission, named “Operation Lost Souls,” saved children between the ages of 10 and 17. Many were runaways that became victims of sex trafficking or physical and emotional abuse. A majority of them were found in Texas.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and several other agencies, local police departments, county sheriffs, and school districts contributed to the successful operation.
“The agencies provided victim services and counseling to the recovered children and their families,” according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
JUDGE ALLOWS SUIT CLAIMING VIRGINIA POLICE PROTECTED SEX TRAFFICKERS TO PROCEED
“We are grateful for all of our law enforcement partners who participated in this operation and who work around the clock every day to protect our communities, including our youth,” DPS Maj. Matthew Mull said at a May news conference on National Missing Children’s Day.
“Operation Lost Souls exemplifies Homeland Security Investigations’ commitment to protecting the public from crimes of victimization,” HSI El Paso Deputy Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho said. “In this case, we are looking out for our children — our community’s most precious resource.”
“HSI is committed to continue working with our law enforcement partners to locate, recover and help missing children heal, while ensuring that perpetrators are held responsible for these heinous crimes and brought to justice.”
In 2020, Ohio recovered 45 missing children in the state’s largest human trafficking bust in history.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Anyone with information on a trafficking victim can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
