U.S. Marshals recover 48 missing children in Massachusetts operation

The U.S. Marshals Service, in collaboration with Massachusetts and Boston police, successfully recovered 48 endangered missing children during a multi-agency initiative known as ‘Operation Yellow Card’. The operation, which began in April and continued through the FIFA World Cup, targeted risks of kidnapping, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

The recovered children, aged between 12 and 17, were located both within Massachusetts and in other states, including Georgia and Texas. Following their recovery, the children were reunited with their families or referred to child welfare and victim services.

Acting U.S. Marshal Dennis Matulewicz stated that the recoveries represent lives changed and families given hope. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox emphasized that the collaborative effort serves as a warning to those committing such crimes. The increased law enforcement presence was part of a broader strategy to prevent criminals from exploiting the high volume of visitors during the World Cup.