Operation Falcon III, led by the U.S. Marshalls Service, resulted in the capture of nearly 11,000 fugitives, including 1,659 sex offenders in a 24-state operation conducted from October 22-28. The Department of Justice announced the sweep Thursday, November 2 at a news conference. Attorney General Gonzales said that the operation "has made our nation's neighborhoods and children safer by taking off the streets some of the worst sex offenders, violent felons and gang members." The roundup was similar to operations in April 2005 and April 2006. This most recent operation was boosted by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. For more information on Falcon III, click here .

The National Law Center for Children and Families applauds the level of cooperation between the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved in Operation Falcon III. The NLC also commends the hard work of every individual involved in removing these offenders from the streets and making our communities safer for children and families.