The U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations led an operation that located, recovered, or rescued 31 children in Texas, some of whom were connected to sex trafficking.
“We are grateful to be a part of a coalition of extraordinary law enforcement agencies who were dedicated in reuniting these children with their loved ones. It is our hope that each of them will be able to put this traumatic experience behind them and move forward to have a happy and productive life,” said Dallas Police Department Chief of Police Eddie Garcia.
‘OPERATION LOST ANGELS’ RESCUES 33 MISSING CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
“Operation Missing in the Metroplex” was a roughly monthlong operation where federal agencies teamed up with four local police departments and included recovering a 13-year-old girl from a Fort Worth apartment, a 15-year-old girl from an Uber during a prostitution sting, and a 16-year-old girl from a “John’s” house in Fort Worth.
“To observe law enforcement partnerships and community concerns culminate into such a successful recovery outcome is rewarding,” acting U.S. Marshal Quintella Downs-Bradshaw said. “Victims should know they are not forgotten. There is hope and a way to return home.”
At least seven of the cases were critically missing children with ties to sex trafficking.
The Dallas office for Homeland Security Investigations said it would continue working with local law enforcement to recover additional children in North Texas.
“These kids and teens represent some of our most vulnerable populations where adults try to prey on their innocence. We will not rest until every child is located safe and someone is held accountable,” said Arlington, Texas, Chief of Police Al Jones.
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The news comes after a similar operation in Tennessee found 150 missing children between the ages of three and 17.
“I hope this operation changes the course for 150 young lives and leads them to the path of opportunities every child deserves,” said U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee Tyreece Miller last week.
