Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and San Antonio Police Recover Missing Children in Operation Lightning Bug

San Antonio, TX – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), conducted Operation Lightning Bug, a multi-agency initiative targeting crimes against vulnerable youth, from July 28 through August 15. Focusing resources to locate missing juveniles at high risk of exploitation by traffickers and predators, deputies from USMS offices in San Antonio, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos joined forces with SAPD’s Missing Persons Unit, Special Victims Unit, covert units, and Street Crimes Unit. Together, they reviewed every missing juvenile listed in the Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center databases for the San Antonio area. Intelligence gathered was used to create operational plans that led to the recovery of numerous children and the disruption of human trafficking activity. 

Operation Lightning Bug Results:

• three arrests for harboring a runaway;
• nine felony arrest warrants executed;
• six trafficking survivors recovered and provided victim services;
• five human trafficking investigations opened;
• over 30 missing juveniles located by officers;
• and over 120 additional missing juveniles encouraged to return home, resulting in cleared entries from state and national databases.

As juveniles were recovered, SAPD Special Victims Unit detectives conducted interviews to identify potential victimization. Survivors received immediate access to victim services through partner organizations, including Health and Human Services. This ensured recovery efforts extended beyond rescue to long-term safety and stability. 

“The safety of our children is the safety of our communities, and justice demands that we protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau for the Western District of Texas. “Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our promise to safeguard the most vulnerable and strengthen the safety of our communities.” 

SAPD Chief William McManus echoed that commitment, stating, “Every suspect arrested, juvenile returned home, and survivor taken out of harm's way matters. This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to protect children.”

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 expanded the U.S. Marshals Service’s discretionary authority to assist in the recovery of missing, endangered, or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. Under this authority, the USMS established the Missing Child Unit to oversee operations and respond to requests from law enforcement partners nationwide.

The USMS defines critically missing children as those at heightened risk of violent crime or other elevated factors such as sexual exploitation, substance abuse, exposure to crime, or domestic violence. Operation Lightning Bug highlighted the power of coordinated action between federal, state, and local partners to locate missing children, disrupt trafficking networks, and bring offenders to justice. 

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force - San Antonio:

San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)

Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS)

Texas Attorney General’s Office (TXAGO)

Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD)

Texas Board of Criminal Justice OIG (TBCJ)

Bexar County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA) 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)