Homeland Security Rescues Eight Missing Children During World Cup

Federal agents recovered eight missing children while conducting a human trafficking operation June 22 in Kansas City, Missouri during the 2026 World Cup.

Read more INGERSOLL: It’s Time For GOP Governors To Grow A Pair

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City led the operation, which identified predators looking to exploit minors, according to a press release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kansas City, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Kansas City Police Department assisted with the operation.

Along with rescuing the missing children, federal agents arrested 14 individuals and identified nine victims of human trafficking, according to KMBC. Among those arrested were Jason Grouix, who was charged with attempted enticement of a child and attempted possession of child pornography, and Curtis Ray Gibson, who was charged with attempted enticement of a child and attempted possession of child pornography, ICE said.

In addition, agents seized electronic devices for forensic examination. (RELATED: DHS Special Agent, Wife Found Dead In Alleged Murder-Suicide)

HSI Kansas City acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini reacted to the operation, saying, “Strong partnerships are the foundation of our success in combating human trafficking. Leading up to the World Cup, our joint efforts with the FBI, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and North Kansas City Police Department have been vital in protecting our community and holding offenders accountable. Together, we are sending a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated.”

Read more Many Parents Now Worried Their Kids Rely On AI Way Too Much

Most of the children recovered during the operation were teenagers from the Kansas City metro area, according to KMBC. They were either runaways or reported missing before they ended up with alleged human traffickers, Sabatini said.

“We find them [missing children] every day, so the best thing that we can do is have people keep an eye on your kids,” he added.

The June 22 operation is not the first rescue during this year’s World Cup.

In a June 11 press release, the U.S. Marshals Service District of Massachusetts announced it had recovered 35 missing children during “Operation Yellow Card” with the help of multiple agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police. The operation also sought to protect children vulnerable to human trafficking and sexual exploitation amid the World Cup.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directed the Daily Caller to its press release regarding the June 22 operation.

Read more EXCLUSIVE: Can MAHA Propel Unlikely Republican Nominee To Key Midterm Win?

The Daily Caller also contacted ICE, who did not immediately comment.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information.