U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with international partners, has provided a significant update on Operation Renewed Hope III. This initiative, led by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crimes Center, aims to identify victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is recognized globally for its efforts against child exploitation. With technological advancements increasing internet accessibility, children face heightened risks. HSI special agents and analysts are committed to combating these threats by working with international law enforcement to protect children and apprehend predators.
Since March 2025, ICE HSI has identified over 150 additional child victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse, bringing the total number across all phases of Operation Renewed Hope to more than 450 children worldwide. This increase underscores both the global nature of this crime and investigators' dedication to safeguarding children.
Operation Renewed Hope III was conducted from February 24 through March 7. It builds upon previous phases that identified and rescued over 300 exploited children. The cumulative victim count now exceeds 450, highlighting the persistent threat posed by online sexual exploitation.
The operation has generated over 400 investigative leads—more than 230 domestic and over 165 foreign—and involved processing over 83,000 digital files totaling 216 gigabytes of data.
Sean Fitzgerald, ICE HSI Cyber and Operational Technology Assistant Director, stated: “Each file is a potential indicator of abuse and each frame a critical clue in the fight to save children.” He emphasized the importance of identifying victims so they can begin healing.
Further investigations continue as law enforcement agencies analyze materials and pursue leads from the operation.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, ICE HSI's efforts resulted in identifying or rescuing 1,783 child victims in child exploitation investigations, supporting nearly 7,000 new investigations, and arresting almost 5,000 individuals for crimes involving children's sexual exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report suspected cases of child exploitation by contacting local authorities or utilizing available tip lines such as the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or visiting the NCMEC CyberTipline.
