Operation Desert Dawn focused on endangered runaways and other children considered critically missing.
PHOENIX, AZ — The U.S. Marshals Service said 31 missing children were located in Arizona during a three-week operation that focused on endangered runaways and other children considered at high risk.
The effort, called Operation Desert Dawn, ran from April 13 to May 1 in the Phoenix area and other parts of the state. Federal officials said 20 children were safely found and the locations of 11 others were confirmed. The cases included children suspected of being trafficking victims, children facing homelessness or substance use problems, and children with mental health concerns.
The Marshals Service said the operation targeted areas with high concentrations of critically missing children. It included 12 focused days of field work and brought together federal, state and local agencies, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and community partners. Van Bayless, U.S. marshal for the District of Arizona, said the work centered on children in “vulnerable and dangerous situations.”
“Each child we located represents a young life removed from the risk of exploitation, abuse, or worse,” Bayless said. “Through the dedication of our partners, these children now have the opportunity to return to safety and begin moving forward.”
Officials released only limited details about the children because they are minors and because some investigations remain open. Among the cases described by authorities were a 17-year-old who had been missing from Phoenix for 18 months, a 14-year-old missing from Phoenix who was located in Tucson, an 11-year-old girl with mental health concerns and a 16-year-old experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges.
Authorities also said two girls were suspected victims of sex trafficking, including a 17-year-old in Phoenix and a 16-year-old in Glendale. The Marshals Service did not identify suspects or say how many criminal cases may follow. Officials said investigators were still reviewing leads connected to possible predators, and additional arrests could come as the cases move forward.
Bayless said deputies used many of the same tools and methods normally used to track violent fugitives, but the goal in this operation was to find children and move them out of unsafe settings. He said investigators relied on interviews, records, field checks and information gathered from partner agencies. Some children were reunited with relatives, while others were connected with crisis centers, child welfare services or other support programs.
The operation was supported by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which expanded the role of the Marshals Service in helping locate missing, endangered and abducted children. The agency has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on similar recoveries across the country, especially in cases where children are believed to face an elevated risk of exploitation or violence.
Local partners included police agencies in Phoenix and Glendale, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and state child safety officials. The Marshals Service said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children helped with case coordination and information sharing. Federal officials said the children located in the Arizona sweep ranged in age from 11 to 17.
John Meza of the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network said the recovery of a missing child does not end the case. “Recovery really is just the beginning,” Meza said. “There’s going to be a long road to help them truly heal.” He said the operation showed that endangered children were being found in Arizona communities, not only in border areas or distant trafficking routes.
The Marshals Service said missing children often face heightened risk of abuse, exploitation and trafficking, especially when they have been gone for long periods or lack stable housing. Officials did not say how many of the 31 children had been missing for more than a year. They also did not release a full breakdown of how many were returned home, placed with relatives or taken to care facilities.
Investigators said the next steps include reviewing evidence, following leads tied to adults who may have exploited children, and coordinating care for the children who were located. No court dates or new charges were announced with the initial results. The Marshals Service said partner agencies will continue handling individual cases based on each child’s circumstances.
As of May 6, authorities said the operation had ended but related investigations were still active. The next public milestone will depend on whether local, state or federal agencies announce arrests, charges or additional recoveries connected to Operation Desert Dawn.
Author note: Last updated Wednesday, May 6, 2026.