Fact Check: "70 law enforcement agencies participated in Operation Soteria Shield"
What We Know
Operation Soteria Shield was a significant law enforcement initiative aimed at combating online sexual exploitation of children. According to the FBI Dallas, this operation involved more than 70 law enforcement agencies in Texas and was conducted in April 2025. The operation was a collaborative effort managed by the FBI Dallas Division, along with local police departments such as the Dallas Police Department and the Plano Police Department. The primary goal was to rescue children from online exploitation and apprehend offenders involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. The operation resulted in the rescue of 109 children and the arrest of 244 offenders, showcasing the extensive involvement of various agencies in this critical mission.
Analysis
The claim that "70 law enforcement agencies participated in Operation Soteria Shield" is supported by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas explicitly states that over 70 Texas law enforcement agencies collaborated on this operation. This information is corroborated by reports from local news outlets, which also highlight the scale and impact of the operation, including the number of arrests and rescues achieved.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they originate from official law enforcement announcements and reputable news organizations. The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office are authoritative entities in matters of law enforcement, particularly concerning child exploitation cases. Their statements are typically backed by data and thorough investigations, making them trustworthy sources for verifying claims related to law enforcement activities.
While there may be other sources discussing Operation Soteria Shield, the primary documents from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office provide the most direct and reliable evidence regarding the number of participating agencies. The consistency across these official communications reinforces the accuracy of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "70 law enforcement agencies participated in Operation Soteria Shield" is accurate. The evidence from credible sources, including official announcements from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, confirms that over 70 agencies were indeed involved in this significant operation aimed at protecting children from online exploitation.
Sources
- FBI Dallas and the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force announce the results of Operation Soteria Shield
- FBI Dallas and North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force announce results of Operation Soteria Shield
- Operation Soteria Shield: Texas FBI arrests 244 for child exploitation
