FBI Dallas Reveals Results of Operation Soteria Shield

In a Friday press conference, FBI Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, and partner agencies discussed the results of Operation Soteria Shield 2026.

Operation Soteria Shield is an annual, coordinated law enforcement initiative that spans the state of Texas, focusing on rescuing children from online exploitation and bringing offenders to justice.

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During the press conference, Special Agent in Charge Joseph Rothrock said that this year Operation Soteria Shield coincided with Operation Iron Pursuit, an FBI-led, national initiative conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Rockrock said Operation Iron Pursuit targeted alleged sex traffickers, abusers, kidnappers, and those that manufacture, own, and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The operation took place in April, and spanned all 56 FBI field offices.

Operation Soteria Shield took place in March and April. In all, 147 law enforcement personnel from 91 law enforcement agencies across the state participated.

In total, the operation led to the rescue of 89 children and the arrest of 276 suspects. Thirty-three of those arrested were identified as registered sex offenders.

In all, police filed over 400 charges at either the state or federal level. Those charges range from the receipt, production, and distribution of CSAM, online solicitation of a minor, continuous sexual assault of a child, and trafficking of a child.

Law enforcement reminds parents and guardians that online child exploitation often begins with seemingly innocent digital contact, and early reporting can be critical to stopping abuse in its tracks and identifying victims.

Anyone with information about child exploitation is encouraged to contact local law enforcement, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.