DALLAS — More than 70 law enforcement agencies across Texas participated in a statewide operation in April 2025 that led to the rescue of 109 children and the arrest of 244 individuals involved in online child exploitation.
The operation, named Operation Soteria Shield, was conducted by the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the FBI Dallas Division’s Child Exploitation Task Force. Authorities announced the results on Wednesday, June 12, during a joint statement by participating agencies.
The operation began on April 1 and continued through April 30. Law enforcement agencies worked collaboratively to identify victims and apprehend suspects engaged in the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Investigators seized large volumes of digital evidence, including terabytes of data stored on electronic devices. Forensic analysis is ongoing and may lead to additional arrests and victim identifications.
“This was not an easy operation, but a necessary one,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the children in our communities, and we will hold child predators accountable for their crimes.”
Participating agencies included the Dallas Police Department, Plano Police Department, Garland Police Department, and Wylie Police Department.
The operation also received support from state and federal prosecutors, children’s advocacy centers, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux called the operation “a massive team effort.” Plano Police Chief Ed Drain, Wylie Police Chief Anthony Henderson, and Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan all emphasized the importance of interagency coordination in combating online child exploitation.
According to investigators, the operation targeted individuals using the internet to exploit minors. Officers conducted surveillance, executed search warrants, and used cyber forensic tools to trace illegal online activity.
Texas is one of the first states to carry out a large-scale, coordinated response targeting online child exploitation. Officials credited the success of the operation to the collaboration between local, state, and federal partners.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to child exploitation to contact local law enforcement or report tips to NCMEC.
