The U.S. Marshals Service announced on Monday that it located 200 missing children during a six-week operation that started in May.
In a statement, the agency said that it and other local, state, and federal authorities participated in We Will Find You 2, which spanned seven judicial and geographical locations with high concentrations of missing children. Between May 20 and June 24, authorities reportedly rescued 123 children from dangerous situations.
According to U.S. Marshals, 77 missing children were also found to be in safe locations. A six-month-old was the youngest child to be found or rescued during the operations.
“Additionally, of the missing children recovered, 57 percent were recovered within seven days of the USMS assisting with the case,” U.S. Marshals also said.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provided technical assistance to local, state, and federal agencies.
U.S. Marshals said the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 gave them more authority to collaborate with law enforcement to locate endangered children — irrespective of whether it involves a registered sex offender.
“One of the most sacred missions of U.S. Marshals Service, is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children,” U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis commented. “This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk.”
