Federal authorities have revealed that 200 critically missing children have been recovered following a multi-agency operation.
In a six-week nationwide effort, the United States Marshals Service successfully located 200 critically missing children, the youngest being just 5 months old, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The operation, dubbed Operation We Will Find You 2, took place from May 20 to June 24 and focused on endangered runaways and children abducted by non-custodial parents.
These children are considered critically missing, meaning they are at heightened risk if not found quickly.
The operation saw collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies across seven federal judicial districts, alongside the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Of the children recovered, 123 were rescued from dangerous situations, officials reported.
The news release stated: "An additional 77 missing children were located and found to be in safe locations, according to law enforcement or child welfare agencies.
"Of the 200 children found, 173 were endangered runaways, 25 were considered otherwise missing, one was a family abduction, and one was a non-family abduction.
"The youngest child recovered was five months old. 14 of the children were found outside the city where they went missing."
The Department of Justice continued: "These missing children were considered some of the most challenging recovery cases in the area, based on indications of high-risk factors such as victimization of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions."
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: "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, and who work every day to keep children safe."
The operation spanned various locations, including Portland and Eugene, Oregon; several counties in South Florida; New York City; and parts of Michigan.
“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 President and CEO Michelle DeLaune of NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children).
“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.”
You can read the full release from the Department of Justice here.