Due to “Operation Not Forgotten” A two-week search in Georgia led by U.S Marshals Service Missing Child Unit resulted in the finding of thirteen missing minors and the rescue of twenty-six. The U.S Marshals Service is committed in assisting federal and state agencies alike with focusing on missing and endangered children. In 2015, the Justice of trafficking Act gave the unit authority to help find children regardless of if a fugitive or sex offender was involved.
The missing children found during this two-week search were said to be the some of the most at risk cases in the area. Many of which endured physical or sexual abuse. Nine individuals were arrested for the sexual trafficking of the missing minors.
In 2019, the unit helped assist law enforcement with the recovery of two hundred and ninety-five missing children. Statistically, Georgia ranks number four among fellow states in sex trafficking and as numbers increase the U.S marshals service continues to crack down. Director of the Marshals service had a message for all families and missing children “we will never stop looking for you”.