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The FBI has announced the arrest of 244 sex offenders and the rescue of over 100 exploited children after a month-long operation targeting online child exploitation across Texas.

Getting into it: During a press conference yesterday, the FBI confirmed the conclusion of Operation Soteria Shield, a month-long child exploitation enforcement effort conducted in April 2025 across Texas. This intensive operation involved more than 70 law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Dallas Division, local police departments in Dallas, state, and federal prosecutors. A total of 244 individuals were arrested on charges related to child sexual exploitation, including production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Of those arrested, 21 were registered sex offenders, and authorities filed 368 combined state and federal charges as part of the operation.

The operation also resulted in the rescue of 109 children, many of whom were previously unidentified and had never been reported missing. Some victims were discovered through online undercover operations, cyber tip reports, and data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In some cases, children were being abused within their own homes, with predators using technology—including online gaming platforms, chat applications, and social media—to manipulate and exploit them. The age range of victims was broad, including toddlers and even infants.

Among those arrested were individuals accused of heinous crimes, such as transporting minors for the purpose of sexual abuse and distributing CSAM. Two high-profile arrests included Harold Lee Hill, charged with transporting a minor with intent to commit sexual acts, and Michael Huffman, who was caught actively viewing CSAM when agents kicked down his door.

According to the FBI, 165 search warrants were served across various jurisdictions, leading to the seizure of 1,130 digital devices and 213 terabytes of data, which had images and videos of child abuse. Forensic analysis of this evidence is ongoing and expected to uncover additional victims and perpetrators.

In a statement, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said, “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the children in our communities, and we will hold child predators accountable for their crimes.”