news
National outrage: 200 kids seized by state marshals.
US Marshals found 200 missing children—173 of them runaways, many endangered by trafficking or exploitation during their nationwide search. This is an epidemic. We must help protect these vulnerable children!
Published July 2, 2024 at 12:14pm by Mike Snider
US Marshals Find and Rescue 170+ Endangered Youth
As part of "Operation We Will Find You 2," a nationwide initiative led by the US Marshals Service with support from federal, state, and local agencies, 200 missing children have been located, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable from falling through the cracks.
The operation, a follow-up to last year's successful rescue mission, has once again shone a light on the dark underbelly of our society, rescuing 123 endangered youth from dangerous situations, including human trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation. The resilience of the other 77 missing children, found safe by law enforcement, is a testament to their strength in surviving dangerous circumstances.
Among those rescued was a 1-year-old girl, torn from the cold hands of a convicted child assassin. A 12-year-old girl, free now from the suspected grip of sexual abuse, can begin to heal. Two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, were freed from the shackles of suspected human trafficking, their nightmares coming to an end. Three 16-year-old girls, facing the darkest of horrors, including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and control by an adult male, now have a chance at a normal life.
"There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities. We must work every day to keep children safe and out of harm's way," said Attorney General Merrick Garland, his voice shaking with rage and determination.
The US Marshals Service, in collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), have proven yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their efforts have rescued the youngest of the vulnerable, with a 5-month-old baby being the tiniest angel saved. In total, 14 children were found outside the cities they originated from, highlighting the far-reaching impact of these operations.
"We will not rest until every missing child is found, and the predators who exploit them are brought to justice," declared US Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis, his voice echoing with fury and resolve.
NCMEC President and CEO Michelle DeLaune echoed these sentiments, stating, "We are grateful that vulnerable children have been recovered... [they] deserve to grow up safe from harm." This operation is a reminder that our society must do better. We cannot let our children fall prey to these evils. The battle continues, and we must all fight to ensure a safer future for the next generation.
Related:
- US Marshals Service: https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-find-200-missing-children-across-nation-during-operation-we-will-find-you-2
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/home
- Previous Operation: https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-operation-we-will-find-you-recovers-missing-children-central
Read more: US Marshals Service finds 200 missing children in nationwide operation