Photo: Paul Caffrey | Public domain | Wikimedia Commons
FBI And Texas Police Arrest 276 Suspected Child Predators, Rescue 89 Children
The FBI and Texas law enforcement arrested 276 suspected child predators and rescued 89 children during a multiagency sweep in North Texas in March and April 2026.[1]
The operation, called Operation Soteria Shield, involved 91 law enforcement agencies across Texas.[1] Authorities said the arrests were tied to suspected child exploitation offenses.[1]
FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI has located more than 6,940 child victims and arrested nearly 3,000 child predators nationwide since last year, increases of 144% and 70%.[1]
Officials described the effort as a coordinated, sweeping operation aimed at disrupting child exploitation networks.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Operation Soteria Shield in North Texas was conducted across March and April 2026.
- The joint effort resulted in 276 arrests tied to suspected child exploitation offenses.
- Authorities said 89 child victims were rescued during the operation.
- The FBI reported that 91 law enforcement agencies across Texas participated.
- FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI has located more than 6,940 child victims and arrested nearly 3,000 child predators nationwide since last year, increases of 144% and 70%.
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