The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in collaboration with various federal, state, and local agencies, recently concluded a six-week nationwide operation that led to the discovery of 200 critically missing children. This includes endangered runaways and those abducted by noncustodial individuals.
The operation, named “Operation We Will Find You 2” (WWFY2), was a follow-up to a similar successful initiative and took place from May 20 to June 24. It focused specifically on geographical areas identified as having high concentrations of missing children cases.
During this intensive operation, law enforcement officials successfully recovered and removed 123 children from perilous situations. Additionally, 77 missing children were located and found to be in safe environments, according to law enforcement and child welfare agencies. The majority of these children were runaways, while others were victims of family abductions or, in one instance, non-family abduction.
The ”dangerous situations” from which these children were rescued were harrowing and included instances of human trafficking, captivity by family members, and sexual exploitation. Some of these children were held against their will, and others faced violent circumstances.
“One of the most sacred missions of U.S. Marshals Service is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis upon the completion of the operation. “This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk.”
Operation We Will Find You 2 included several notable and alarming cases. Among these were instances of kidnapping in Michigan, human trafficking in Miami-Dade, sex trafficking in Arizona, familial kidnapping in Oregon, and a potential infanticide case in North Carolina. The operation’s success in these diverse and challenging cases highlights the gravity of the situation faced by many missing children across the country.
The U.S. Marshals Service’s role in locating missing children was significantly enhanced by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. This legislation expanded the USMS’s responsibilities, allowing the agency to search for missing children without the requirement that an offender or fugitive be known to be connected to the case. This change has been instrumental in broadening the scope and effectiveness of operations like WWFY2.
“There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities. 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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
The success of Operation We Will Find You 2 underscores the ongoing and urgent need to address the issue of missing children in the United States. The collaboration between the USMS and other law enforcement agencies, combined with the legal tools provided by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, demonstrates a robust and coordinated effort to protect vulnerable children.
However, as Director Davis emphasized, the mission is far from over. Thousands of children remain missing, and many continue to be at risk. The work of the USMS and its partners will continue as they strive to locate and recover every missing child, ensuring their safety and well-being.
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