U.S. Marshals Rescue 200 Missing Children in Nationwide Operation.

In a remarkable display of coordinated effort and unyielding dedication, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has successfully located and recovered 200 critically missing children during a six-week national operation known as Operation We Will Find You 2 (WWFY2).

Running from May 20 to June 24, 2024, this initiative saw the USMS, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, intensify their search across high-density regions to bring these vulnerable children back to safety.

Operation WWFY2, the second iteration of this impactful campaign, focused on areas with a significant number of missing children cases. The results were nothing short of astounding: 123 children were rescued from perilous conditions, while 77 others were found in safe, secure locations.

This meticulous operation uncovered cases involving a variety of distressing scenarios. Some children were discovered in the clutches of human traffickers, while others were held captive by family members or were caught in situations of sexual exploitation. The operation also addressed a range of abduction cases, including a family-related kidnapping and a non-family abduction.

Director Ronald L. Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service emphasized the gravity of the mission: “One of the most sacred missions of the U.S. Marshals Service is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children. This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk.”

The intensity of these efforts highlights the serious nature of the cases involved, with notable instances including a dramatic kidnapping in Michigan, a harrowing human trafficking situation in Miami-Dade, and a disturbing sex trafficking case in Arizona. Other cases included familial kidnappings in Oregon and a troubling potential infanticide in North Carolina.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 has significantly bolstered the USMS's ability to address these heart-wrenching cases. The legislation removed the necessity for a known offender or fugitive to be linked to the missing child case, thereby broadening the scope and effectiveness of the operation. This enhancement has enabled law enforcement agencies to act more swiftly and comprehensively in their search and rescue missions.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed profound gratitude for the dedication and hard work exhibited by the teams involved. “There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities,” Garland remarked. “I am grateful to the dedicated professionals of the U.S. Marshals Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who worked to find 200 critically missing children during this six-week operation.”

The collective effort of these professionals not only underscores the commitment of the USMS but also reinforces the critical importance of collaboration in addressing the complex issue of child abductions and exploitation.

The success of Operation WWFY2 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against child abduction and exploitation. While 200 children have been safely recovered, the mission also highlights the continued need for vigilance, collaboration, and advocacy. The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its commitment to locating and rescuing missing children, underscoring the relentless pursuit of justice and safety for our nation’s most vulnerable.