BOISE, ID – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the start of “Operation Safe Online Summer” during a keynote address at the State Capitol, marking the launch of a coordinated effort to combat online child exploitation throughout the summer months.
The initiative is led by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and is modeled after national efforts like Operation Broken Heart. It aims to increase arrests, enhance investigative coordination, and promote community education on internet safety while children are on summer break.
“During Operation Safe Online Summer, the Idaho ICAC Task Force is executing more search warrants and arrests to identify and stop online predators before they can harm kids,” Labrador said. He added that since taking office, his administration has restructured and expanded the ICAC program, resulting in more arrests in the past year than in the prior three years combined.
The launch event recognized several individuals and agencies for their work in protecting children from online abuse:
- Detective Christian Teague, Madison County Sheriff’s Office
- Representatives Bruce Skaug and Dori Healey
- Canyon County Sheriff’s Office
- Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office
- Coeur d’Alene Police Department
- Idaho Falls Police Department
- Owyhee County Prosecutor’s Office
Attorney General Labrador also highlighted a new law—House Bill 46—passed in 2024, which criminalizes the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery. He described the law as a necessary step in adapting to evolving digital threats.
The event included the introduction of “Badger,” a newly certified Electronic Storage Detection K9 trained to locate hidden digital devices. Badger will also serve as a therapy dog, expanding the state’s ability to recover evidence and support victims.
Operation Safe Online Summer underscores the Attorney General’s office’s stated commitment to protecting children through enforcement, legislation, and public outreach. Authorities encourage anyone with information about child exploitation to contact local law enforcement, the Idaho ICAC Unit at (208) 947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. More information is available at ICACIdaho.org.
