25 missing, endangered Metro Detroit kids found by newly launched US Marshals Service mission

Operation resulted in the recovery or safe location of 225 kids nationwide

The U.S. Marshals Service launched a new mission to find missing and endangered kids.

The agency recently launched a 10-week mission called “Operation We Will Find You.”

During the operation, U.S. Marshals found 25 missing kids in Metro Detroit.

Nationwide, the operation resulted in the recovery or safe location of 225 kids.

“This is generally a new mission for us,” said Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Watson. “The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act gave us statutory missing child operations and assist state and locals without there having to be a sexual offender nexus to it.”

Watson said it’s meaningful each and every time they find a child.

“You’re not dealing with a fugitive, you’re dealing with a victim,” Watson said. “So you want to make sure that you’re treating them in a way so that they know someone cares.”

The multi-agency operation was considered a success, and the U.S. Marshalls Service looks forward to continuing its efforts.


About the Authors:

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.