In a significant coordinated effort, federal and local agencies successfully rescued over 30 missing children and disrupted various trafficking operations aimed at at-risk youth across Texas.
This initiative, largely based in San Antonio, resulted in numerous arrests, the issuance of felony warrants, and the initiation of multiple investigations as part of the operation dubbed “Operation Lightning Bug.”
The teams from the US Marshals Service (USMS) from San Antonio, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos collaborated with the San Antonio Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, Special Victims Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and undercover personnel.
Utilizing Texas and national crime databases, the teams endeavored to identify at-risk minors and coordinate effective recovery operations.
The outcomes of this initiative included:
- Three individuals arrested for aiding runaways
- Nine felony warrants executed
- Six survivors of sex trafficking rescued and connected to support services
- Five new investigations into trafficking initiated
- Over 30 missing juveniles found
- More than 120 additional youths safely returned home, removing their names from missing persons lists
Following their recovery, each child was interviewed by SAPD’s Special Victims Unit to assess if they had experienced victimization. Survivors were referred to support services through various agencies, including Health and Human Services, to provide necessary long-term care and security.
In a statement, US Marshal Susan Pamerleau, representing the Western District of Texas, emphasized the importance of child safety in the mission of the Marshals Service.
“The wellbeing of our children reflects the wellbeing of our communities, and it is our duty to protect those unable to protect themselves,” Pamerleau stated. “Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our commitment to shielding the most vulnerable and enhancing community safety.”
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus praised the operation as a testament to law enforcement collaboration.
“Every individual who is arrested, every child returned home, and every survivor pulled from danger is significant,” McManus stated. “This operation exemplifies the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to protect our youth.”
The US Marshals executed the operation under the authority granted by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, enabling the agency to recover endangered or missing children, independent of fugitive cases. This legislation also facilitated the establishment of the USMS Missing Child Unit, which leads similar recovery initiatives nationwide.
Kirsta Leeberg-Melton, the founder and CEO of the Institute to Combat Trafficking, emphasized that operations of this nature highlight a broader issue of exploitation within Texas and nationally.
“Trafficking is a persistent challenge that the city of San Antonio, the state of Texas, and the entire country have been grappling with for an extended period,” she conveyed in a Fox News Digital interview.
She pointed out that traffickers often prey on individuals experiencing instability—such as children lacking stable housing, nutrition, or familial support.
“These kids become prime targets for traffickers as they exploit their vulnerabilities by providing basic necessities, which leads to manipulation and coerced exploitation for sexual or labor purposes,” she cautioned.
Leeberg-Melton further noted that societal perceptions often underestimate the prevalence and evolution of trafficking, particularly in the digital age.
“Trafficking involves the coercion of individuals for forced sexual acts or labor for the profit of a third party. This crime has existed for ages, but public awareness and understanding of its scope have only recently developed,” said Leeberg-Melton. “Unfortunately, many remain unaware that this is occurring all around us.”
She highlighted how technology is increasingly leveraged by traffickers to recruit and control their victims.
“Traffickers are quick to adopt new technologies. The internet enables them to reach victims and buyers far beyond their immediate vicinity,” she noted.
Leeberg-Melton emphasized that trafficking is not merely a problem confined to border areas.
“American citizens can exploit fellow Americans on U.S. soil,” she pointed out, noting that the majority of trafficking prosecutions in the U.S. involve American abusers taking advantage of American victims.
“The most misleading perception is that trafficking only occurs elsewhere, to other people,” she said. “Recognizing that every individual possesses intrinsic value is essential; otherwise, we will continue to tolerate various forms of exploitation.”
Leeberg-Melton also highlighted the growing issue of sextortion, a form of trafficking that utilizes threats to coerce individuals into sexual activities or the sharing of explicit content.
“When someone is pressured into taking further photos or engaging in sexual acts through threats, this qualifies as a form of human trafficking,” she articulated.
If you suspect someone may be a victim of trafficking, please reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report anonymously at humantraffickinghotline.org.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing individuals, homicide cases, and migrant-related crime. Story tips can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
