The United States Marshals Service recovered 35 missing children in Massachusetts during a major operation preparing for the FIFA World Cup matches.
The rescue effort, dubbed “Operation Yellow Card,” began in April and will continue through the tournament’s end in mid-July.
USMS announced Thursday that the District of Massachusetts and partner agencies including Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, and multiple District Attorneys’ Offices successfully reunited the children with family members or placed them with protective services.
“Large-scale international gatherings historically bring a heightened risk of predatory exploitation targeting our communities’ most vulnerable youth.”
Acting U.S. Marshal Dennis Matulewicz said the operation represents “extraordinary, seamless cooperation” between federal and state law enforcement. The State Department estimates the U.S. will receive as many as 10 million tourists this summer for World Cup games.
The operation specifically targets “endangered youth within and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts prior to and throughout the upcoming FIFA World Cup soccer tournament,” according to the USMS statement.
35 Missing Children from Massachusetts Recovered During U.S. Marshals-Led Operation Ahead of FIFA World Cup#USMarshalshttps://t.co/fPeoDelXpX
— U.S. Marshals Service (@USMarshalsHQ) June 15, 2026
Law enforcement agencies implemented the proactive measures to protect vulnerable missing children facing elevated risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation amid the anticipated influx of hundreds of thousands of international visitors.
Matulewicz added: “Together, we are sending an unambiguous message to those who seek to harm children: we are aware, we are acting, and we will never stop looking for those in danger, nor will we relent in pursuing those who prey on them.”
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz emphasized that locating missing and endangered children “does not come and go with an international soccer tournament, it is an issue facing our youth year-round.”
Similar operations are occurring nationwide in preparation for the increased human trafficking risk surrounding the World Cup. A sting operation in Miami led to the arrest of 12 suspected child predators June 11.
The U.S. Marshals Service encourages anyone with information regarding missing or exploited children to contact local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
