Federal and local authorities have rescued over 30 children from trafficking in a joint law enforcement operation across Texas.
“Operation Lightning Bug” involved multiple law enforcement agencies targeting crimes against vulnerable youth, and was conducted from July 28 through August 15.
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) joined with members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) in conducting the operation.
The initiative “focus[ed] resources to locate missing juveniles at high risk of exploitation by traffickers and predators,” the USMS announced, with deputies joining forces with SAPD’s Missing Persons Unit, Special Victims Unit, covert units and Street Crimes Unit.
The operation resulted in:
- Three arrests for harboring a runaway.
- Nine felony arrest warrants executed.
- Six trafficking survivors recovered and provided victim services.
- Five human trafficking investigations opened.
- Over 30 missing juveniles located by officers.
- Over 120 additional missing juveniles encouraged to return home, resulting in cleared entries from state and national databases.
U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau said in a statement the operation was an act of justice.
“The safety of our children is the safety of our communities, and justice demands that we protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said Pamerleau. “Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our promise to safeguard the most vulnerable and strengthen the safety of our communities.”
According to USMS, SAPD Special Victims Unit detectives interviewed recovered juveniles to identify potential trafficking victims. Identified survivors received immediate access to victim services.
SAPD Chief William McManus said in a statement,
Every suspect arrested, juvenile returned home, and survivor taken out of harm’s way matters. This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to protect children.
The LSFTF members also include:
- Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS)
- Texas Attorney General’s Office (TXAGO)
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
- New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD)
- Texas Board of Criminal Justice OIG (TBCJ)
- Bexar County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
We thank the courageous men and women of law enforcement who are God’s servants to bring about justice (Romans 13:2-5).
Please pray for the law enforcement officers involved and for those recovered victims who are in special need of God’s healing and restoration.
The Justice Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888). The Trafficking Hotline also connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services they need to get help and stay safe.
Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
NCMEC’s 24/7 call center number: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)
My Rescue From Human Trafficking to New Life in Christ
Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse
Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Abuse
How to Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Your Child
How to Fight Human Trafficking
DOJ Announces Rescue of 10 Children from Trafficking: ‘There is No Greater Evil’
Reclaiming Hope: Resources and Mentoring for Sex Trafficking Survivors
FBI Announces ‘Huge Takedown’ of Child Abusers in Texas, Rescue of 109 Children
DOJ Announces Rescue of 115 Children in ‘Operation Restore Justice’
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