Operation We Will Find You 2 was the second-of-its-kind nationwide missing child operation and was conducted with assistance from federal, state, and local agencies. Law enforcement partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for technical assistance and were able to remove 123 children from dangerous situations. Another 77 missing children were located in safe locations. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 expanded the Marshals’ authority to assist law enforcement with recovering missing children. “One of the most sacred missions of U.S. Marshals Service, is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children,” U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis said in a news release. “This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk.” Missions were conducted in major cities throughout the U.S., including (but not limited to) Phoenix, Sacramento, Miami, New York, and Portland. “Operation We Will Find You is a shining example of the results we can achieve when we unite in our mission to find missing children,” said Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We are grateful that vulnerable children have been recovered as part of this operation, and we commend the U.S. Marshals Service and all the agencies involved for their commitment to protect youth and ensure these children are not forgotten. Behind every statistic, there is a child who deserves to grow up safe from harm.” The children rescued in the operation were considered some of the most challenging recovery cases based on high-risk factors such as child sex trafficking victimization, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health issues. “There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “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 U.S. Marshals Service just wrapped a six-week national operation that resulted in finding 200 critically missing children, including those who had run away from home and kids who were abducted.
