Another successful operation during which 31 missing children were located and rescued was carried out by the U.S. Marshals and Homeland Security Investigations in partnership with Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie police departments. The “Operation Missing in the Metroplex” had been undergoing for over a month.
According to reports, among those rescued were minors tied to sex trafficking. One 15-year-old girl was recovered at a Dallas home, a 17-year-old girl was recovered from a vehicle, and a 13-year-old girl was recovered from an apartment. Additionally, two girls were recovered from Fort Worth.
Grateful for the life-changing work @ICEgov agents do on a daily basis. Thanks to the efforts of @HSI_Dallas, 31 missing children were just returned to safety. https://t.co/qcoA2hOgwn
— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) March 5, 2021
Acting United States Marshal Quintella Downs-Bradshaw spoke to ABC 8 News and said: “To observe law enforcement partnerships and community concerns culminate into such a successful recovery outcome is rewarding. Victims should know they are not forgotten, there is hope and a way to return home.”
All the children were provided help and were placed at a safe place. Some have already been returned to their legal guardians.
“We know there’s a lot more out there. This is a small victory.” – Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas Police.
Federal agencies collaborate with local police departments to locate 31 children in North Texas. Several were victims of sex trafficking. @NBCDFWhttps://t.co/O0cG9LDDyH— Candace Sweat (@CandaceNBC5) March 11, 2021
Dallas Police Department Chief of Police Eddie Garcia described the operation as a small victory. He is aware that a lot more has to be done, but the number of successful operations carried out during the past period show that there is still someone who will never give up on these children who live in fear each and every day.
“We are grateful to be a part of a coalition of extraordinary law enforcement agencies who were dedicated in reuniting these children with their loved ones,” Garcia said. “It is our hope that each of them will be able to put this traumatic experience behind them and move forward to have a happy and productive life.”
More than 30 missing children have been “located, recovered, or rescued” in the Dallas area, including seven minors deemed “critically missing” with ties to sex trafficking. https://t.co/tY4uSCkLri
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) March 11, 2021
We can never thank the U.S. Marshals and everyone involved in the rescue mission enough. You are our heroes. As for the children, we are glad they are finally home, where they belong.