In a six-week nationwide operation named “Operation We Will Find You 2 (OWWFY2),” the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) successfully located and recovered 200 missing children. This significant operation, which took place from May 20 to June 24, was announced by the Department of Justice on July 1, 2024.

Mission and Achievements:

The operation targeted areas with high numbers of critically missing children, focusing on recovering those at the greatest risk, including victims of sex trafficking, abuse, and runaways. According to USMS Director Ronald Davis, “One of the most sacred missions of the U.S. Marshals Service is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children.”

Of the 200 children recovered:

• 173 were endangered runaways
• One was a family abduction
• One was a non-family abduction
• 25 were considered otherwise missing
• The youngest child recovered was just five months old

The operation was carried out in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies across multiple jurisdictions, including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, and Oregon. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provided technical assistance.

Notable Recoveries:

Several cases highlight the critical impact of the operation:

• North Carolina: A one-year-old girl was safely recovered after her mother, previously convicted of a serious crime, failed to surrender her to social services.
• Oregon: A 12-year-old girl reported sexual abuse by family members and was rescued after her father attempted to force her into a car.
• Phoenix: A 16-year-old girl, a victim of sex trafficking, was found in Flint, Michigan. She had been trafficked across multiple states.
• New York: A 16-year-old girl, previously a human trafficking victim, was discovered in the bedroom of a 27-year-old man, who was subsequently arrested for sexual exploitation.

AIDBIPOC’s Role and Call to Action:

The success of “Operation We Will Find You 2” demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting vulnerable children. Association for Intellectually Disabled, Black, Indigenous, and People Oppressed by Color (AIDBIPOC)’s “Inclusive Search Initiative” is stepping up its efforts to support such missions. We are calling on volunteers and donors to join us in this critical cause. Your support can make a profound difference in the lives of at-risk children.
By volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, you can help ensure that no child is left behind. Together, we can create a safer environment for all children.

• To Donate: https://aidbipoc.org/donate/
• To Volunteer: https://aidbipoc.org/volunteer-application-2/
• To Report a Missing Person: https://aidbipoc.org/report-missing-person/
• To Learn More About “Inclusive Search Initiative”: https://aidbipoc.org/inclusive-search-initiative/

Our Initiatives:

• Collaborating with local organizations to provide culturally sensitive support for survivors.
• Facilitating educational programs within BIPOC communities to empower individuals with knowledge and resilience.
• Advocating for policy changes that address systemic inequalities and reduce vulnerabilities.

Call to Action:

• Stay informed: Educate yourself and others about the signs of human trafficking.
• Support survivors: Contribute to organizations providing resources and assistance to survivors.
• Advocate for change: Join the conversation around policy reforms and systemic improvements to prevent trafficking.

Conclusion:

At AIDBIPOC, we stand united in our mission to create a world where every individual, regardless of their background, will receive the same care and efforts to bring our loved ones home. Together, we can turn awareness into action and continue striving for a fair and equitable future for everyone.