In a major breakthrough, seven missing children were located in Las Vegas during the “Big Search Missing & Exploited Children Task Force Operation” conducted in early February. The multi-agency initiative, led by the F.R.E.E. International Organization, aimed to track down juveniles at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
The operation, which ran from February 2 to February 7, resulted in the discovery of seven missing children. Several intelligence leads were also submitted to law enforcement for ongoing exploitation-related investigations.
The initiative was hosted by the UNLV Tourist Safety Institute at Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, which played a critical role in providing resources to strengthen future search efforts. More importantly, support services were made available to the rescued children, ensuring they transition from victims to survivors.
The massive task force included a collaboration of federal, state, and local agencies, such as:
- Nevada Department of Public Safety/State Police (including Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Parole and Probation, and Nevada Division of Investigations)
- UNLV Police Department
- Clark County Family Services & At-Risk Youth Services
- Clark County School District Police Department (CCSDPD)
- Clark County Department of Juvenile Justice Services
- City of Las Vegas Marshals
- Protective Force International (PFI)
- Security Alliance for Survivors
Community partners such as MGMRI Emergency Response Team, Boyd Gaming, The Orleans Security, International Church of Las Vegas, and several local organizations also played a vital role in assisting with resources and recovery efforts.
This isn’t the first success story for the task force. Back in November, a similar operation resulted in the recovery of eight missing children in Las Vegas.
With human trafficking and child exploitation cases rising nationwide, these operations highlight the urgent need for vigilance, awareness, and action. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement and community partners continue to make a life-changing impact, ensuring that missing children are found and given a chance at a safer future.
