WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 20, 2025
In one of the largest coordinated child exploitation crackdowns in U.S. history, the Department of Justice has announced the successful conclusion of Operation Restore Justice—a five-day nationwide sting that led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children. The operation spanned all 55 FBI field offices and involved hundreds of federal agents, local law enforcement officers, and prosecutors working in tandem to dismantle child sex trafficking networks and online predator rings.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly announced the results at a press conference in Washington, D.C., calling the operation “a landmark achievement in the fight to protect America’s children.”
Scope and Strategy of the Operation
Operation Restore Justice was launched under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a long-standing DOJ initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. The operation targeted individuals involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online enticement of minors, transportation of children across state lines for sexual purposes, and child sex trafficking.
The sting was executed simultaneously across all FBI field offices, with support from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the DOJ’s Criminal Division and more than 90 U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. Arrests were made in urban centers, rural communities, and suburban neighborhoods—underscoring the pervasive nature of child exploitation crimes.
“This was not a regional sweep. This was a national mobilization,” said FBI Director Patel. “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable among us.”
Arrests and Charges
Among the 205 suspects arrested were individuals in positions of public trust, including:
- A Minnesota State Trooper charged with production of child pornography
- A former Metropolitan Police Department officer in Washington, D.C., charged with sex trafficking of minors
- An Army Reservist from Minneapolis accused of transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes
- A Mexican national residing illegally in Virginia, charged with coercion and enticement of a minor
Charges filed against the suspects include:
- Production and distribution of CSAM
- Online enticement of minors
- Sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, or coercion
- Possession of child pornography
- Transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity
“These depraved human beings, if convicted, will face the maximum penalty in prison—some life,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us.”
Victim Recovery and Support
The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children, many of whom had been missing, trafficked, or exploited online. Victims were identified through forensic analysis of seized devices, social media monitoring, and tips from the public.
In several cases, arrests were made possible by community members who attended DOJ-sponsored educational presentations and reported suspicious behavior. “This points to a growing awareness and proactive stance within communities in safeguarding children from predators,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.
Rescued children are now receiving trauma-informed care, including medical treatment, counseling, and placement in safe housing. The DOJ has partnered with nonprofit organizations and child advocacy centers to ensure long-term support for survivors.
Public Awareness and Parental Guidance
Attorney General Bondi emphasized the importance of parental vigilance in preventing online exploitation. “Your child has no right to privacy on the internet—none,” she said. “Whether they’re gaming, chatting, or scrolling social media, predators are watching. I always say, it’s from instant message to instant nightmare.”
Bondi urged parents to monitor their children’s digital activity, use parental controls, and engage in open conversations about online safety. The DOJ plans to expand its public education campaign in the coming months, including school-based programs and digital literacy workshops.
Legal and Policy Implications
Operation Restore Justice is expected to serve as a model for future federal enforcement actions. Prosecutors have been directed to take a hard line on plea negotiations, and the DOJ is exploring legislative proposals to increase mandatory minimum sentences for child exploitation offenses.
“This operation proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten,” said FBI Director Patel. “By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
The DOJ is also reviewing protocols for cross-border cooperation, as several suspects were found to have international ties or operated across state lines. Enhanced data-sharing agreements with foreign law enforcement agencies are under consideration.
Community and Congressional Response
Lawmakers from both parties praised the operation, calling for continued investment in child protection infrastructure. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced a resolution commending the DOJ and FBI for their efforts and urging additional funding for cybercrime units.
Advocacy groups such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) applauded the operation but called for more resources to support survivors. “Rescue is just the first step,” said NCMEC President Michelle DeLaune. “We need sustained care, legal advocacy, and community reintegration for every child affected.”
Looking Ahead
The DOJ has confirmed that Operation Restore Justice will be repeated annually, with expanded scope and deeper integration of artificial intelligence tools to detect CSAM and online grooming behavior. The next phase will focus on dark web networks and encrypted platforms used by traffickers.
For now, the arrest of 205 suspects and the rescue of 115 children stands as a powerful testament to what coordinated law enforcement can achieve—and a sobering reminder of the threats that persist.
References
- Monroe, C. (2025, May 8). Operation Restore Justice rescues 115 children, arrests 205 suspects in nationwide child predator sting. Hoodline. https://hoodline.com/2025/05/operation-restore-justice-triumph-115-children-rescued-205-suspects-nabbed-in-nationwide-child-predator-sting/
- Richter, B. K. (2025, May 7). DOJ operation rescues 115 children, arrests 205 child sex offenders nationwide. Midland Reporter-Telegram. https://www.mrt.com/news/crime/article/doj-child-rescue-arrests-20315444.php
- Crisp, E. (2025, May 7). 200+ alleged child predators arrested in FBI operation, officials say. The Hill. https://thehill.com/homenews/5287625-fbi-arrests-205-suspected-child-predators/