The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the U.S. Marshals’ authority to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement with the recovery of missing, endangered, trafficked or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. The U.S. Marshals Service established a Missing Child Unit to oversee and manage the implementation of its enhanced authority under the act.
Recently USMS operation “Autumn Hope” rescued 45 missing children (Ohio). Operation “Not Forgotten” rescued 39 children (Georgia). Operation “Safety Net” recovered another 35 (Ohio).
The total number of rescued and recovered children by USMS this year exceeds 440; and today Operation “Find Our Children” rescues 27 more children in Virginia:
(DOJ Announcement) – The Justice Department today announced the completion of a five-day law enforcement effort, dubbed “Operation Find Our Children,” throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia that resulted in the recovery of 27 previously missing children.
[…] The U.S. Marshals Service is leading the way in a nationwide effort to rescue and recover missing and exploited children, and aid in the prevention of human trafficking.
Since 2005, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered more than 2,000 missing children. Over the past five years, the agency has recovered missing children in 75 percent of the cases it has received. Of those recovered, 72 percent were recovered within seven days.
