Operation Yields Rescues Ahead of FIFA World Cup
In a significant operation in Massachusetts, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) has located 35 missing children. This initiative is part of preparation efforts for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
As stated in a USMS announcement, various partner agencies—including the Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department, and District Attorneys from Essex, Plymouth, and Suffolk—reported the successful recovery of these children, who have been reunited with their families or are now in appropriate protective custody.
Initiated in April, this operation is expected to continue until mid-July, coinciding with the height of World Cup festivities. The State Department estimates around 10 million tourists could visit the U.S. this summer for the games.
Dubbed Operation Yellow Card, this effort aims to locate and protect at-risk youth during the World Cup Soccer Tournament. The USMS described the operation as “targeted” and “high-impact,” focusing specifically on vulnerable children in Massachusetts.
With a projected influx of hundreds of thousands of international visitors, authorities are proactively seeking to safeguard these children, highlighting the heightened risks of human trafficking and exploitation in large gatherings.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Dennis Maturewicz commented on the apprehensions, noting the historical correlation between such events and increased risks for youth. He emphasized that the successful rescues resulted from collaboration among various law enforcement agencies across the state.
Matulevich reiterated a commitment: “We know and we are taking action. We will never stop searching for those at risk nor relent in pursuing those who prey on them.”
Massachusetts State Police Col. Jeffrey Noble remarked, “All missing and vulnerable youth deserve safety and security free from exploitation.” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Crews also stressed the importance of addressing issues of vulnerable youth continuously—not just in the context of major events.
Similar operations are taking place nationwide. Recently, a sting in Miami led to the arrest of 12 individuals suspected of targeting children. The USMS urges anyone with information about missing or exploited children to reach out to local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).
