Operation Lightning Bug, a collaborative initiative led by the U.S. Marshals and San Antonio Police, successfully recovered numerous missing juveniles and disrupted human trafficking operations.
San Antonio, TX. – Official Release: The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), conducted Operation Lightning Bug, a multi-agency initiative targeting crimes against vulnerable youth, from July 28 through August 15. Focusing resources to locate missing juveniles at high risk of exploitation by traffickers and predators, deputies from USMS offices in San Antonio, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos joined forces with SAPD’s Missing Persons Unit, Special Victims Unit, covert units, and Street Crimes Unit. Together, they reviewed every missing juvenile listed in the Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center databases for the San Antonio area. Intelligence gathered was used to create operational plans that led to the recovery of numerous children and the disruption of human trafficking activity.
Operation Lightning Bug Results:
- three arrests for harboring a runaway;
- nine felony arrest warrants executed;
- six trafficking survivors recovered and provided victim services;
- five human trafficking investigations opened;
- over 30 missing juveniles located by officers;
- and over 120 additional missing juveniles encouraged to return home, resulting in cleared entries from state and national databases.
As juveniles were recovered, SAPD Special Victims Unit detectives conducted interviews to identify potential victimization. Survivors received immediate access to victim services through partner organizations, including Health and Human Services. This ensured recovery efforts extended beyond rescue to long-term safety and stability.
“The safety of our children is the safety of our communities, and justice demands that we protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau for the Western District of Texas. “Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our promise to safeguard the most vulnerable and strengthen the safety of our communities.”…