The Department of Justice announced on May 5 the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a month-long national enforcement action that located more than 200 child victims and led to the arrest of over 350 alleged child sexual abuse offenders. The operation ran from April 1 to April 30 and involved all FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country.
The announcement comes during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation. According to officials, those arrested are accused of crimes including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said: “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country. Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah said: “There is no greater priority in the District of Utah than protecting and pursuing justice for our children. As with this administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue vigorously to combat crimes against children and hold offenders accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls added: “Every child matters and deserves the opportunity to grow up free from harm. The FBI and our partners will continue working tirelessly to stop those who prey on our most vulnerable and hold them accountable.”
Among those recovered was a ten-year-old from Utah who was flown home from Cuba after concerns about potential gender reassignment surgery abroad; crisis support was provided by the FBI Victim Services Division (VSD). Other cases included individuals charged or pleading guilty in Ohio, Washington D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania.
Operation Iron Pursuit follows previous operations such as Relentless Justice (December), Enduring Justice (August), and Restore Justice (May), which together resulted in hundreds more rescues nationwide.
The FBI’s VSD supported victims throughout these efforts by providing forensic interviews as well as referrals for medical or mental health resources.
According to the official website, The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah advances community well-being through victim assistance programs while enforcing federal laws across all counties in Utah—including areas with national parks or Indian reservations—and employs about eighty-five staff members at its Salt Lake City headquarters along with other facilities.
The Department urges anyone suspecting child exploitation activity to contact their local FBI office or use tip lines provided online or by phone.