Twenty-one missing and endangered children were rescued in a sweeping operation in Southwest Florida this week. Many were found in unsafe environments and at least one reported being trafficked, officials said.
The National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF) led the multi-agency operation that spanned Lee, Collier and Hendry counties and concluded Friday, May 29, with a news conference in Estero.
The effort brought together 14 agencies and 145 personnel to locate children considered missing and at risk. Most of those recovered were teenagers, though ages ranged from early teens to 21.
Rescued children include runaways
“Every child deserves to be found, heard and supported,” said Al Rollins, the director of law enforcement partnerships for the NCPTF. “This operation brought together law enforcement, advocates and technology partners from across the region to help locate vulnerable children and strengthen what happens next for them after recovery.”…