Thirty-four children and teens who had been reported missing on Long Island and in New York City were discovered following a multi-agency rescue operation, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed Friday.
According to officials, the missing teens and teenagers varied in age from seven to eighteen.
The Long Island Missing Child Rescue Operation drew together more than 100 professionals from nearly 40 state agencies.
Officials said the three-day rescue ended Thursday after months of planning and collaboration.
Investigators used a centralized command center in Garden City to analyze case material, pursue fresh leads, share intelligence, and utilize technology to close missing children investigations in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Hochul stated, “Every missing child deserves our full attention, and every family deserves answers.” “This operation brought together the expertise and resources required to identify vulnerable young people and protect them from exploitation and harm. ” Our dedication does not end once a child has been located. We must also assist them in accessing the care, support, and stability they require to remain safe.”
Law enforcement agencies collaborated with social workers, advocates, and community organizations to investigate each disappearance and establish what support services would be required after they were located.
Officials stated that help includes safe housing, medical care, counseling, transportation, clothing, food, and other necessities specific to each child’s situation.
This is the fourth missing-child rescue operation in New York. Previous efforts in Erie County, the Capital Region, and Westchester County resulted in the return of 168 children and teenagers reported missing to collaborating law enforcement agencies.
According to state officials, 10,629 youths under the age of 18 were reported missing in New York in 2025, with 94% identified as runaways. According to officials, police cleared 10,672 missing-child cases this year, including those that had been started in previous years.
Officials said they will continue to look into missing-child situations.
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