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The U.S. Marshals Service conducted “Operation We Will Find You 2,” leading to the recovery of 200 missing children in a six-week national sting.
With assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 123 children were rescued from dangerous situations, while 77 were located in safe places.
“There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated.
“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, and who work every day to keep children safe.”
The operation focused on critically missing children, and the children included runaways, abductions, and endangered cases.
Various agencies and law enforcement collaborated to find the missing children, addressing cases of child exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
The USMS emphasized the importance of locating and safeguarding at-risk children.
“One of the most sacred missions of U.S. Marshals Service, is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children,” USMS Director Ronald L. Davis said. “This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk.”