The U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, recovered 200 missing children during a nationwide operation from May 20 to June 24, 2024.

Dubbed 'Operation We Will Find You 2', this staggering effort spanned several states and included the recovery of 173 endangered runaways, 25 missing children, and two abduction cases. With 57% of the children located within a week, the operation highlights the critical role of coordinated law enforcement and community efforts in safeguarding vulnerable youth from dire situations such as child sex trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and NCMEC President Michelle DeLaune praised the operation's success and the dedication of all involved in rescuing these children.

The operation was conducted in multiple states, notably including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, and New York City. Through coordinated efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service and supporting agencies worked tirelessly to locate and recover the missing children, demonstrating the necessity of nationwide collaboration in such operations.

Among the 200 children recovered, a significant number were removed from highly dangerous situations. A total of 123 children were rescued from environments involving child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions. Additionally, another 77 children were located and confirmed to be in safe locations.

The rescued children varied significantly in age, with the youngest being just 5 months old. The swift response and coordinated efforts were evident, with 57% of the children being recovered within the first seven days of the operation.

Specific cases underscored the diverse and often perilous circumstances from which these children were retrieved. One such case involved a 16-year-old girl who had been missing since January 11, 2024, from Edwardsburg, Michigan. She was successfully recovered on June 13 in Hammond, Indiana, with her abductor subsequently arrested.

Another troubling case involved a 15-year-old girl who disappeared on May 13 and was later found on June 7 in Miami-Dade, Florida. She had been a victim of human trafficking, highlighting the grave dangers faced by many of the children involved.

Out of the total recoveries, 14 children were found outside the city where they were initially reported missing. Such cases demonstrate the complex and sometimes wide-ranging nature of child abduction and trafficking networks.

The vital assistance provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) played a crucial role in the operation's success. Together with the U.S. Marshals Service, NCMEC has been instrumental in providing resources, expertise, and support necessary for these high-stakes rescues.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated professionals who worked on this operation, emphasizing the importance of their commitment to safeguarding the welfare of these vulnerable children. Garland's remarks highlighted the collaborative spirit and unwavering determination of those involved in bringing these children to safety.

Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of NCMEC, also commended the U.S. Marshals Service and all assisting agencies for their relentless dedication to protecting at-risk youth. DeLaune remarked on the exceptional teamwork and strategic efforts that culminated in the successful recovery of 200 children.

One of the most sacred missions of the U.S. Marshals Service is the location and recovery of critically missing children. This operation further solidified their role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children across the nation. Their continued commitment to this mission underscores the importance of such operations in preventing further harm and exploitation of at-risk youth.

The majority of the recovered children were subsequently released to child protective services to ensure their safety and to provide the necessary care and support. In other instances, the location and safety of the children were confirmed upon request from law enforcement, providing reassurance to concerned families and communities.

The operation's success also brings to light the alarming prevalence of child exploitation and the ongoing necessity for vigilance and concerted efforts in combating this issue. The U.S. Marshals Service, along with NCMEC and other supporting agencies, remains steadfast in their mission to protect children and bring them to safety, continuing their essential work in the fight against child exploitation and abuse.