The U.S. Marshals Service, in partnership with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and several federal, state, and local California agencies, located 37 missing children during a weeklong effort known as Operation Safe Return, officials announced.
The operation also led to seven arrests, including a federal arrest linked to child sex trafficking.
The initiative focused on critically missing youth—those at elevated risk of violence, sexual exploitation, or other serious threats.
During the weeklong operation from March 2 to 6, authorities identified over 50 missing children between the ages of 14 and 17.
At least 37 were safely recovered, while 13 cases remain open as investigations continue.
Additional missing children were located in neighboring counties, including San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles, as well as in Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Recovered children were immediately provided with victim advocacy, medical assistance, and follow-up resources, ensuring safe reunification with family members or placement in secure environments.
Operation Safe Return emphasized not only recovery but also long-term support for vulnerable youth.
The operation centered on three priorities: locating critically missing children, offering essential support services, and holding perpetrators accountable through arrests and enforcement actions.
“This operation highlights the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as community partners,” said the U.S. Marshals Service. “By pooling resources and expertise, we can locate critically missing children more effectively while raising awareness of the ongoing epidemic of child disappearances.”
Multiple agencies participated, including the USMS Southern District of California, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, alongside state and local departments and victim advocacy organizations.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials noted that the region typically sees 5,000–6,000 children run away or go missing each year, with most returning home quickly.
Operation Safe Return targeted long-term missing children, some absent for up to two years, prioritizing those at highest risk of exploitation, according to KTLA.
Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the coordinated effort, emphasizing accountability for offenders.
“Through close collaboration between state and federal authorities, we were able to identify, locate, and safely recover 37 vulnerable children while holding those responsible for their exploitation accountable,” Bonta said in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) added, “Every child deserves to be safe, protected, and given the chance to live their life free from exploitation. California will continue to stand with victims and survivors, protect our most vulnerable, and do everything in our power to bring every child home safely.”
Some of the recovered children were victims of serious crimes, including sexual assault and trafficking.
The identities of the arrested individuals remain confidential due to ongoing investigations.
Since the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service has had enhanced authority to locate missing, endangered, or abducted children.
To date, the Marshals have recovered over 4,500 children nationwide, with 61 percent located within seven days of being reported missing.
Operation Safe Return demonstrates a successful model of multi-agency coordination to combat human trafficking and exploitation.
Law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, and community partners worked collectively to prioritize child safety and ensure accountability for offenders.
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