FBI Dallas’s North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force and the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force have announced the results of Operation Soteria Shield, a coordinated law enforcement effort focused on rescuing children from online sexual exploitation and bringing offenders to justice. This operation was jointly managed by the FBI Dallas Division, Dallas Police Department, Plano Police Department, Wylie Police Department, and Garland Police Department.
Operation Soteria Shield was conducted during the months of March and April 2026. It resulted in 276 child exploitation arrests and the rescue of 89 children. These results are attributed to the collaboration of 91 law enforcement agencies and 197 law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions in the state of Texas. Investigators, analysts, digital forensic examiners, prosecutors, victim advocates, and child advocacy partners worked together to identify offenders and protect vulnerable children.
Operation Soteria Shield was designed to find offenders who exploit children through online platforms, social media, messaging applications, and other digital environments. Investigators pursued individuals involved in the possession, distribution, production, or promotion of child sexual abuse material, online solicitation of minors, trafficking, sexual assault, and other child exploitation-related offenses.
Investigators also worked to locate children who were being exploited, identify previously unknown victims, and connect children and families with appropriate services. The cases generated through this operation remain active, and additional charges may be filed as forensic examinations and follow-up investigations continue.
“Operation Soteria Shield brought together over 90 agencies from across the state of Texas,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Together, we were able to make a significant impact in the ongoing battle against predators who exploit children in our communities. This would not have been successful without the resolve of each participating agency. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
“Protecting children from those who seek to exploit them is among the most important work we do in law enforcement,” said Dallas Police Department Chief Daniel C. Comeaux. “The success of Operation Soteria Shield reflects what is possible when agencies come together with a shared mission to identify predators, rescue victims, and hold offenders accountable. These are not victimless crimes; they leave lasting trauma on children and families. I am incredibly proud of the work of our investigators and every agency partner who helped make this operation successful. The Dallas Police Department remains relentless in pursuing those who prey on our most vulnerable, and we will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners to protect children and bring offenders to justice.”
“Every child deserves to grow up safe, protected, and free from exploitation,” said Ed Drain, chief of the Plano Police Department. “This operation reflects our shared commitment to defend children wherever abuse occurs, whether that is in a home, on a device, or through an online platform. The work done by these investigators has changed lives.”
“It is an honor for the Wylie Police Department to partner with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Operation Soteria Shield,” said Anthony Henderson, chief of the Wylie Police Department. “Through the coordinated efforts of all participating agencies, hundreds of predators have been identified and removed from our communities. This operation reflects our collective commitment to protecting children and pursuing those who seek to exploit or harm them. We will continue working together to ensure offenders are held accountable and that our communities remain safe for the families we serve. What is done in the dark will be brought to the light.”
“Protecting our most precious resource, our children, from online exploitation requires vigilance, strong partnerships, and a relentless commitment to pursuing those who seek to harm them,” said Jeff Bryan, chief of the Garland Police Department. “Operation Soteria Shield brought together agencies from across Texas with one common goal, protecting children and holding offenders accountable. The work carried out during this operation reflects the dedication of investigators who spend countless hours identifying victims, tracking offenders, and making our communities safer. The Garland Police Department remains committed to standing alongside our partners in the fight against crimes targeting children.”
“I am incredibly proud that the Fort Worth Police Department played a role in this two-month, multi-agency operation,” said David Carabajal, executive assistant chief of the Fort Worth Police Department. “With April recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, it was especially important for the Fort Worth Police Department to help protect our children by identifying and arresting those who seek to exploit them.”
Operation Soteria Shield highlights the importance of continued reporting by parents, guardians, schools, technology companies, and community members. Online child exploitation often begins with seemingly ordinary digital contact, and early reporting can be critical to stopping abuse and identifying victims.
The original announcement can be found here.
