Long Island Missing Child and Youth Operation: 34 Found

After a three‑day comprehensive operation targeting missing children in the Long Island and Queens area of New York, officials said 34 children and youths were located. New York State Attorney General Kathy Hochul announced that the operation focused on missing persons reported in Nassau and Suffolk counties and brought to the attention of the New York Police Department.

Ages 7 to 18

It was stated that the children and youths who went missing were between the ages of 7 and 18 at the time. Officials said that among the cases were children who had been subjected to human trafficking and exploitation.

The operation, dubbed "Long Island Missing Child Rescue Operation," brought together more than 100 experts from roughly 40 institutions and organizations. The operation was conducted jointly by the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Missing Persons Center, the Office of Children and Family Services, and the National Child Protection Task Force. The New York State Police also supported the effort.

Investigation Center Established in Garden City

After months of preparation, the operation’s headquarters was set up in Garden City in Nassau County. Detectives there re‑examined missing‑child files, pursued new tips and leads, facilitated intelligence sharing among agencies, and leveraged technological tools.

After the children were found, the process did not remain limited to delivering them to their families. Social workers, advocates, and community organizations worked with law‑enforcement teams to determine the children’s needs. Safe housing, health services, counseling, transportation, clothing, and food assistance were provided as needed.

Some Cases Have Been Open for Years

Officials said that the cases concluded as part of the operation covered different time spans. It was stated that some children had been missing for a few days, while others had been missing for years. It was announced that a girl who had been missing for two years was also found during the operation and that experts subsequently provided her with support.

31 Missing Child Files Still Open

Officials said that, despite locating 34 children, the 31 missing child files in Long Island remain open. It was stated that law‑enforcement forces would continue their work on these cases.

Fourth Operation in New York

The Long Island operation was the fourth missing‑child operation conducted in the state of New York using this method. In earlier operations carried out in Erie County, the Capital Region, and Westchester County, a total of 168 children and youths were found.

In 2025, 10,629 children were reported missing.

According to data from the state of New York, in 2025, 10,629 children under 18 were recorded as missing in police files. Ninety‑four percent of these cases were classified as runaway incidents. In the same year, the police closed 10,672 missing‑child files, including those carried over from 2025 and previous years. By the end of 2025, there were 1,079 active missing‑child files across the state.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that every missing child deserves the attention of all institutions and that families are awaiting a response. Officials added that, following the children’s recovery, work would continue to meet their security, health, and social support needs.