The recovered children ranged in age from 12 to 17. Investigators found several of the missing children outside of Massachusetts after tracking leads across the country and to multiple states, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The children were reunited with their families or referred to child welfare agencies and victim services, according to authorities.
“Every one of the 48 recoveries represents a child whose future has been changed and a family that has been given hope,” acting U.S. Marshal Dennis Matulewicz said. “Protecting vulnerable children is among the most important missions entrusted to the U.S. Marshals Service.”
The rescue effort was called Operation Yellow Card and began in April, continuing through the World Cup tournament. Authorities launched the effort out of concern that missing children could face an increased risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation, violence, or other harm as hundreds of thousands of visitors arrived in the Boston area.
Investigators also developed information and opened related investigations involving suspected kidnapping, child exploitation, human trafficking, and other offenses, according to the U.S. Marshals.
“This investigation resulted in these young survivors returning to their loved ones,” Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. He added that the department’s work with state and federal agencies continues throughout the year.
"The Boston Police Department is here to serve and protect people of all ages. We want this collaborative operation to send a clear message: If you commit these horrific and targeted crimes, we will work tirelessly to hold you accountable," he said.
Matulewicz credited the experienced investigators and law enforcement partners with working together in finding the endangered children, and protecting them from further harm.
“There is no greater measure of success than knowing that 48 children who were once missing are now safe because dedicated law enforcement professionals refused to stop searching for them,” Matulewicz said.
Although Operation Yellow Card has ended, the U.S. Marshals Service said it will continue working with other law enforcement agencies to find endangered and missing children.
Anyone with information about a missing or exploited child can contact local police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).