In Hawaii this month, federal and state law enforcement worked together to rescue 10 missing children and teens. These young people were found through an effort called Operation Shine the Light. The FBI confirmed that some of the missing children were likely victims of sex trafficking. This is a dark and terrible crime that targets the most vulnerable in our society.
The children who were rescued were between the ages of 13 and 18. Some had run away from home. Others may have fallen into the hands of predators. Sadly, many missing kids are not just lost—they are being hurt. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says that almost 1 in 5 missing children in 2024 were likely victims of sex trafficking. That’s a shocking number, and it shows how serious this problem has become.
Thanks to Operation Shine the Light, these 10 children are now safe. They are getting the care and services they need. But we must ask ourselves: Why is this happening? And what can we do to stop it?
Some young people run away because of problems at home. Others are lured away by people they meet online. Amanda Leonard, who helps run the Missing Child Center in Hawaii, explained that kids may be tricked by someone older—maybe a boyfriend or girlfriend. Some may even be dealing with drug problems. These are complex issues, but one thing is clear: we must work together to protect these children.
The Constitution gives the federal government the duty to protect our citizens—especially the most defenseless. President Trump and his administration have made this a top priority. They are cracking down on violent crime and human trafficking. Since the start of the year, more than 5,000 children have been rescued across the country. Over 1,700 child predators have been arrested. And 300 human traffickers have been taken off our streets.
This is not just good news. This is proof that when the government follows the Constitution and upholds the law, the American people are safer. The Trump administration has even sent National Guard troops to help cities struggling with crime. Cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Memphis have seen real results because of this effort.
But we must be clear: this problem isn’t going away on its own. In Hawaii alone, more than two dozen children are still missing. And every day, new cases get reported across the country. We need strong leadership, and we need the rule of law. That means backing our police, our federal agents, and our courts. It means stopping criminals before they can harm another child.
Laws like the 2014 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act help by making sure child welfare agencies report missing kids quickly. But laws are only as strong as the people who enforce them. That’s why we need leaders who take this crisis seriously and who are willing to act.
Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii thanked all the law enforcement officers who helped with Operation Shine the Light. Their work is a reminder that when local, state, and federal agencies come together, they can make a real difference. But this should not be the end. It should be the beginning of a national movement to protect every child in America.
This is not just about crime. It’s about freedom. Every child has the right to be safe. Every family has the right to know their children are protected. That’s what the Constitution promises us. And that’s what we must demand from our government—at every level.
We thank our law enforcement heroes. We applaud the Trump administration’s efforts. And we pray for every missing child still waiting to be found. May justice be swift, and may liberty shine its light into even the darkest corners.
