Overview
- The Marshals Service disclosed Tuesday that Operation Desert Dawn, run April 13 to May 1 in the Phoenix area, located 31 missing children.
- Officials report 20 children were safely recovered, while the locations of 11 others were confirmed for follow-up by investigators and caregivers.
- Cases included teens believed to be sex-trafficking victims in Phoenix and Glendale, a 16-year-old experiencing homelessness and substance use, an 11-year-old with mental health concerns, and a 17-year-old missing for 18 months.
- The effort used tools under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 and relied on help from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and local partners.
- Authorities asked the public to share tips with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST to aid ongoing recoveries and reunifications.