ICE Operation in Mississippi: 70 Arrested for Child Exploitation
A two-week ICE operation across Mississippi ended August 10, 2026, with 70 people arrested on child exploitation charges. The sweep — called Operation Muddy Waters — was not a general immigration raid. It targeted child exploitation offenders, some of whom were foreign nationals unlawfully in the US.
You may have seen news about a major ICE operation in Mississippi this month. Operation Muddy Waters, a two-week statewide enforcement effort led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ended on August 10, 2026, with 70 arrests. The operation targeted child exploitation offenders and people previously convicted of sex offenses — not the broader immigrant community.
What the operation targeted
HSI Gulfport Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell said the operation focused on people who "hide behind a computer screen to exploit children." Arrests covered offenses including solicitation of children, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and violations by previously convicted sex offenders. Some suspects allegedly traveled across state lines to engage in sexual activity with minors. Others were accused of livestreaming child sexual exploitation or downloading and sharing CSAM.
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ICE noted that some of those arrested were foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States. The operation also generated new investigations that are ongoing. Partners included the U.S. Attorney's Offices for both Mississippi federal districts, the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and multiple county sheriff's offices.
What to do
- If you have information about child exploitation, contact the HSI Tipline at 866-347-2423 (866-DHS-2-ICE).
- Suspected child sexual exploitation can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST.
- If you are an immigrant with questions about how a criminal charge may affect your immigration status, consult a licensed immigration attorney before speaking to law enforcement.
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Any criminal charge, including charges related to exploitation offenses, can have severe immigration consequences — including mandatory detention, removal proceedings, and permanent bars to future immigration benefits. If ICE arrests someone on criminal grounds, that person has the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Anyone in this situation should contact an immigration lawyer before making any statements to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Operation Muddy Waters a general immigration raid?
No. ICE said the operation specifically targeted child exploitation offenders and previously convicted sex offenders. It was not aimed at the broader immigrant community.
Can a criminal arrest affect my green card or visa?
Yes. Even an arrest — before any conviction — can trigger immigration consequences. Certain crimes, especially those involving minors, can lead to mandatory detention and removal. Talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible if you face any criminal charge.
What happens to an undocumented person arrested in an operation like this?
If ICE arrests an undocumented person on criminal charges, that person may face both criminal prosecution and removal proceedings. They have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Immigration consequences depend on the specific charges and the person's immigration history.
How do I report suspected child exploitation?
You can call the HSI Tipline at 866-347-2423 or report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST. Reports can be made anonymously.