June 1, 2022
Texas – The three-week operation, known as “Operation Lost Souls,” started in late April in the Texas counties of El Paso, Midland, Ector and Tom Green and recovered 70 children ranging in age from 10 to 17 who were victims of sex trafficking, physical and sexual abuse.
Law enforcement officials have succe
ssfully recovered dozens of missing children as part of a joint task force operation in West Texas.
“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.”
“Operation Lost Souls exemplifies Homeland Security Investigations and commitment to protecting the public from crimes of victimization. In this case, we are looking out for our children — our community is an most precious resource,” said HSI El Paso Deputy Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho.
The operation was conducted by several law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Highway Patrol, El Paso Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI.
“At the Department of Public Safety, teamwork is one of our core values,” said DPS Major Matthew Mull. “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.”
HSI added that several agencies have provided counseling to the children.
Note* Authorities say that the children who were located outside of West Texas were found in Dallas, Texas; Colorado; and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.Â
