37 missing California children rescued in Operation Safe Return

Operation Safe Return, conducted from March 2 to March 6, identified more than 50 children between the ages of 14 and 17 who had been missing for periods ranging from one month to two years. Investigations were launched to locate the children, and officials announced that 37 were recovered during the operation. Several of the minors were found outside California, including in Nevada and Arizona.

“When determining a child’s possible location, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of law enforcement and social services responded to the area for his/her recovery, which included locations in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County and Los Angeles County,” the sheriff's office said in a press release.

Officials noted that in Riverside County, roughly 5,000 to 6,000 children go missing or run away each year, and the majority of them return home. However, many of the children rescued in this operation were identified as victims of crimes from child sex trafficking to sexual assault.

“The operation resulted in seven arrests, including one federal arrest for child sex trafficking being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations,” the release said. Officials said the recovered children were provided victim advocacy services and, if necessary, medical support before being reunited with their legal guardians.

13 cases remain open following the operation, and the identity of the individuals arrested will remain confidential as the investigations continue.

“Through the coordinated efforts of the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, and numerous allied agencies, dozens of children were safely recovered and connected with critical support services,” the release added. “RCAHT remains committed to aggressively pursuing those who exploit children while working with our partners to ensure victims receive the care and protection they deserve.”