FBI Arrests 244 Child Predators, Rescues 109 Children in Texas Operation

In April 2025, Operation Soteria Shield, a month-long FBI Dallas-led effort involving over 70 law enforcement agencies across Texas, resulted in the arrest of 244 child sex predators and the rescue of 109 children from online sexual exploitation. The operation targeted individuals involved in producing, distributing, or possessing child sexual abuse material, with investigators working around the clock to identify victims and offenders. Authorities seized extensive digital evidence, including terabytes of illicit data, which may lead to further arrests and victim identification. Specific arrests were made in various Texas locations, including Lubbock, where multiple suspects faced charges related to online solicitation and possession of child pornography. FBI and Justice Department officials emphasized their commitment to protecting children, with FBI Director Kash Patel pledging relentless pursuit of predators. This large-scale multiagency collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation in the digital space.