The U.S. Marshals Service announced on May 5, 2026 that a three-week operation in the Phoenix metropolitan area had resulted in the recovery of 31 critically missing children, including two teenagers believed to be victims of sex trafficking.[1] The operation, named Operation Desert Dawn, ran from April 13 to May 1 and was led by the U.S. Marshals Service District of Arizona in coordination with multiple state and local agencies.[2]

What Was Operation Desert Dawn?

Operation Desert Dawn was a targeted law enforcement initiative focused on locating "critically missing" children — a designation used for youths considered to be at significant risk of exploitation, abuse, or human trafficking. Authorities concentrated their efforts on areas of the Phoenix Valley with high concentrations of missing children cases.[2]

Van Bayless, U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona, said in a news release: "Each child we located represents a young life removed from the risk of exploitation, abuse or worse. Through the dedication of our partners, these children now have the opportunity to return to safety and begin moving forward."[2]

Who Was Found?

Of the 31 children recovered, 20 were safely located and their whereabouts confirmed. The operation's highlights included several particularly notable recoveries:[1] [2]

  • A 16-year-old girl in Glendale believed to be a victim of sex trafficking
  • A 17-year-old girl in Phoenix also suspected to be a victim of sex trafficking
  • An 11-year-old girl with mental health concerns
  • An unhoused 16-year-old with substance use challenges
  • A 17-year-old who had been missing for 18 months
  • A 14-year-old from Phoenix who was found in Tucson

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) partnered with the Marshals Service throughout the operation, alongside the Phoenix Police Department, Glendale Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Arizona Department of Child Safety.[2]

Arizona's Missing Children Problem

Arizona consistently ranks among the states with higher rates of missing children reports, in part due to its geography as a border state and the presence of major interstate corridors that trafficking networks exploit. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children maintains a database of active missing children cases in Arizona, and the state's Department of Child Safety works alongside federal agencies on recovery efforts.[3]

Operation Desert Dawn follows a pattern of similar federal operations in recent years. In 2020, "Operation Not Forgotten" recovered 26 missing children across the Southeast. The Marshals Service has increasingly deployed these concentrated, time-limited operations in high-risk areas as an effective tool for recovering children who might otherwise remain missing for months or years.

What Happens After Recovery?

When a missing child is located, the process of reunification and support begins immediately. Children identified as trafficking victims are connected with specialized victim advocates and trauma-informed care services. The Arizona Department of Child Safety coordinates with families and foster care systems to ensure safe placement for children who cannot immediately return home.[2]

If you have information about a missing child in Arizona, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Arizona Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Clearinghouse.