168 Children Rescued from Sex Trafficking, 'These Are America's Children,' Says FBI

Sex Trafficking
Law enforcement officials arrested 281 pimps in addition to rescuing 170 children. (ABC News)

In a shocking discovery, law enforcement officials rescued nearly 170 victims of child sex trafficking, many of whom had never been reported missing as part of an annual nationwide crackdown, the FBI said Monday.

In addition to the children, 281 pimps were arrested during the same period on state and federal charges, USA Today reports.

"These are not faraway kids in faraway lands," FBI Director James Comey said in announcing the annual enforcement push known as Operation Cross Country. Instead, he added, "These are America's children."

This operation marks the eighth week-long operation, which takes place in 106 U.S. cities. Thus far, 3, 600 children who have been sexually exploited have been rescued.

"I hate that we have to do this work - hate it," Comey continued. "I love the people who've devoted their lives to doing this work. There is no more meaningful work that the FBI participates in than rescuing children."

He said the operations were designed to "crush these pimps" and show that children are not for sale. They are also intended to rescue children who are being trafficked on street corners, in truck stops and, increasingly, on the Internet, where pimps advertise and arrange sexual encounters.

One disturbing trend, Comey said, is that many of the children who were recovered were never reported missing in the first place, whether by parents, guardians and the entire child welfare system designed to protect them.

"No one is reporting them missing. Hence, no one is looking for them," said John Ryan, CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "But for operations like this, these children likely would never have been found."

"We cannot find them if no one reports them missing," Ryan said.

The operation, which has taken place annually since 2003, covered 106 cities, including several in Georgia, Texas, and Oregon.

Investigators targeted truck stops, casinos, websites and streets to make initial arrests for prostitution or solicitation. Information gathered during those arrests usually brought forth details leading to larger organized prostitution rings - some of which were operating across state lines, authorities said.

Operation Cross Country is part of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, established in 2003 by the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, in partnership with the Justice Department and the national center.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.