In May 2025, hundreds of law enforcement officers across North Texas joined forces for one mission: to rescue children. Operation Soteria Shield, a month-long effort led by the FBI Dallas and the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeted individuals exploiting minors online, and what unfolded was one of the largest coordinated efforts of its kind.
The operation spanned 21 counties and involved over 140 residential search warrants. Behind those doors were scenes no child should endure. Investigators worked around the clock, often walking into the unknown. As a result of these efforts, 109 children were rescued. More than 244 individuals were arrested. Nearly 1,000 electronic devices were seized, totaling over 177,000 GB of data now being processed for evidence.
In the middle of this massive operation, there was a partner working quietly, tirelessly, with four paws on the ground.
Our Rescue-sponsored Electronic Storage Detection K9 Remi was deployed on this operation 24 times in just 21 days, assisting with search warrants in homes across the region. Her job was to sniff out electronic devices that could contain hidden evidence of child sexual abuse, like phones, USBs, and hard drives. K9 Remi found numerous devices that were missed in the initial searches. Devices that helped identify 25 suspects. Devices that helped lead to the rescue of six children who were suffering continuous sexual abuse.
Remi is more than a detection dog. She’s become a vital part of her task force, not just for what she finds on search warrants, but for the calm and comfort she brings to members of her team. These operations are long. They’re emotionally heavy. Remi provides a moment of relief for officers carrying the weight of what they’ve seen. According to her handler, Remi’s presence has become a source of strength for the very people who are fighting to protect others.
Our Rescue is proud to support ESD K9 Remi, and we are humbled by the bravery of every agent, officer, and investigator involved in Operation Soteria Shield. Their relentless pursuit of justice made this impact possible.
Behind every number is a child. And behind every rescue is a team that refuses to look away.
ICAC Units are the front lines of the work to stop online child exploitation. In addition to ESD K9s like Remi, Our Rescue supports ICAC units across the country with technology and forensic tools for digital investigations through our ICAC Connect program. Learn more here. https://ourrescue.org/icac-connect