Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Law Enforcement Partners Recover 45 Missing and Endangered Children
San Antonio, TX / September 09, 2026 – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), together with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, conducted Operation Lightning Bug II from August 10-31, resulting in the recovery or location of 45 missing and endangered children.
The operation brought together Deputy U.S. Marshals from San Antonio, Del Rio, Midland, El Paso, Waco, and Arizona, along with Task Force Officers and local law enforcement partners. The initiative focused on locating and recovering at-risk and endangered juveniles, including victims of commercial sex trafficking and frequent runaways, while identifying and pursuing individuals involved in human trafficking, crimes against children, and related state and federal offenses.
Operation Lightning Bug II produced significant enforcement and investigative results, including multiple new human trafficking leads and investigations developed by the San Antonio Police Department. Law enforcement officers executed nine felony and 11 misdemeanor warrants, made seven arrests on new charges, and developed multiple additional charges that remain pending, including allegations of harboring and witness tampering.
Among the operation’s most significant cases was an 8-year-old endangered child allegedly abducted by a non-custodial family member. The operation culminated in the child’s safe recovery in Canada.
The operation also recovered a 15-year-old girl in San Antonio who had been reported as a runaway and identified as a victim of sex trafficking.
“Every child recovered is safeguarded from potential harm and given an opportunity for a brighter future,” said Brian D. Harrison, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas. “Operation Lightning Bug II demonstrates the impact we have when law enforcement agencies combine their resources and expertise to locate missing and endangered children, protect those most vulnerable to exploitation, and hold accountable those who prey upon them.”
“NCIS was proud to operate alongside the U.S. Marshals Service to achieve this successful outcome,” said NCIS Central Field Office Special Agent in Charge Arturo Hernandez. “This coordinated, multi-agency effort demonstrates the continued commitment that we all share to protecting the most vulnerable citizens of our country. We are grateful to all the participating agencies for their tireless commitment. Our collective focus remains on the safety and long-term well-being of these children.”
“Operation Lightning Bug II demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together with a shared commitment to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children,” said San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame. “Through our local, state, and federal partnerships, including the U.S. Marshals Service, SAPD developed critical human trafficking leads, executed 20 warrants, made seven arrests on new charges, and advanced additional investigations. Most importantly, this operation helped locate and recover missing and endangered children. It is a testament to the importance of collaboration in safeguarding vulnerable youth and bringing offenders to justice. We are proud to have participated in this effort.”
Agencies that participated in Operation Lightning Bug II included the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, BCFS Health and Human Services and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The U.S. Marshals Service defines critically missing children as those at heightened risk of violent crime or other serious risk factors, including sexual exploitation, substance abuse, exposure to crime, or domestic violence. Juveniles located during Operation Lightning Bug II were provided immediate access to medical care, nourishment, social services, and child advocacy resources to support their continued safety and well-being.
As part of these efforts, BCFS Health and Human Services offered advocacy, case management, and specialized support programs for at-risk youth, foster care alumni, and survivors of human trafficking, helping ensure each juvenile had access to appropriate resources following their recovery.
Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force - San Antonio
Bexar County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA)
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD)
Texas Attorney General’s Office (TXAGO)
Texas Board of Criminal Justice OIG (TBCJ)
Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS)
San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Marshal Service (USMS)
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov.
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Source: U.S. Marshals Service (usmarshals.gov)
