Homeland Security Investigations in the El Paso division of Texas recovered 70 missing children last week. The Texas Department of Public Safety partnered up with teams from federal, local, and state agencies to assist in the location and recovery of the children. Operation Lost Souls was conducted over three weeks before finding success.
The operation began in late April 2022 and concluded in mid-May. It took place in the Texan counties of El Paso, Midland, Ector, and Tom Green. The operation’s purpose was to carry out the relocation of runaways and other missing children.
The recovered children range from ages 10 to 17. In addition to being runaways, many of the children had been abducted and subjected to physical and sexual assault and abuse. Some became involved in sex trafficking.
In addition to the children found in the greater West Texas area, others were located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the state of Colorado, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, according to reports from authorities. The recovered victims have been provided the necessary tools and outlets required for mental and physical recovery, including healthcare and counseling services for them and their families.
This outcome was initially released in a press conference on May 25, National Missing Children’s Day. The children’s recovery was a victory for all involved, bringing hope to the parents of other missing children.
“Operation Lost Souls exemplifies Homeland Security Investigations’ commitment to protecting the public from crimes of victimization. In this case, we are looking out for our children – our community’s most precious resource,” stated Taekuk Cho, HSI El Paso Deputy Special Agent in Charge. He continued, “HSI is committed to continue working with our law enforcement partners to locate, recover and help missing children heal, while ensuring that perpetrators are held responsible for these heinous crimes and brought to justice.”
DPS Major Matthew Mull commented, “At the Department of Public Safety, teamwork is one of our core values. We are grateful for all of our law enforcement partners who participated in this operation and who work around the clock every day to protect our communities, including our youth.”
If you have information about a human trafficking victim or this type of criminal activity, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.