Thousands of Children Seen in Abuse Images Still Haven’t Been Identified — Why I Contacted My Representative
Behind millions of reports are real children whose identities are still unknown.
Right now, investigators know thousands of children are being abused in images circulating online. The problem is many of those children still haven’t been identified or rescued. That reality is why I recently contacted my congressional representative, Suzanne Bonamici, urging support for the Renewed Hope Act of 2026.
The legislation aims to strengthen investigative teams within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who work to identify victims appearing in child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Often investigators know a child is being abused, but they don't yet know who the child is or where they are. That alone should stop all of us in our tracks.
The Scale of the Crisis
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, its CyberTipline received 20.5 million reports tied to 29.2 million incidents of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2024. Each report represents a potential child in danger. Investigators are currently working to identify tens of thousands of children who appear in abuse images but have not yet been located or safeguarded. These children exist, but their names, faces, and locations are still unknown.
Tim Tebow’s Call for Action
Momentum around the issue grew when Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, testified before Congress urging lawmakers to take action. In a statement accompanying the foundation’s video of the testimony, Tebow emphasized,
"Our country’s most precious and vulnerable lives have been forgotten. Every day, these children lose hope, and it's not the fault of law enforcement that these children wait. They need more resources, plain and simple. I am deeply grateful to the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are coming together to support the Renewed Hope Act of 2026. This legislation gives our nation the opportunity to build a stronger rescue team of analysts and investigators so that children who are suffering can be identified and protected. This is a problem we can solve. We have the tools and the expertise — we just have to commit the resources and the will to act.”
Through joint operations with law enforcement, the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Operation Renewed Hope has already helped identify more than 1,100 children and safeguard over 550. But advocates say the scale of the crisis continues to grow faster than investigators can keep up with.
A Response From Congress
After I sent my letter supporting the Renewed Hope Act, Congresswoman Bonamici responded and acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. She wrote:
“Child abuse is a major problem facing our country today. According to data from the Oregon Department of Human Services, nearly 11,000 Oregon children experienced abuse or neglect in 2021."
She also explained that the Renewed Hope Act currently falls under the jurisdiction of the House Judiciary Committee.
“Although I am not a member of this committee, I will keep your input in mind should this bill or other similar legislation come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.”
That response highlights something important. Citizens speaking up still matters, even when legislation begins in committees where a representative may not serve.
Why Speaking Up Matters
It's easy to assume someone else will take care of problems like this. But in reality, public awareness and constituent voices often help determine which issues receive attention in Washington. Investigators already know thousands of children are out there. They just need the personnel and resources to identify them faster. That’s exactly what the Renewed Hope Act is designed to do.
Use Your Voice
Investigators already know these children exist. The problem is they still don’t know who many of them are. Behind every unidentified image is a real child waiting to be found. The Renewed Hope Act would expand the number of analysts and investigators dedicated to identifying these victims so they can be located and protected.
If this issue matters to you, take 30 seconds and contact your representative through the link below. It will automatically connect you with the correct member of Congress based on your address.
Use your voice:
Because the longer these children remain unidentified, the longer they remain unrescued.
Resources:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – CyberTipline Data
Tim Tebow Foundation – Senate Testimony on the Renewed Hope Act
Homeland Security Investigations – Cyber Crimes Center (C3)
Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Data and Reports
Additional Resources for Recognizing and Reporting Abuse:
Protecting children requires awareness, courage, and action. If you suspect abuse or want to learn how to recognize warning signs, the following organizations provide trusted guidance, reporting tools, and survivor support.
1. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (CyberTipline)
If you encounter suspected child exploitation online or need to report abusive material, the CyberTipline is the primary reporting system used by law enforcement in the United States. Reports submitted here are reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate investigative agencies.
Report or learn more: https://report.cybertip.org/
2. Shared Hope International
This organization works to prevent child sex trafficking through survivor care, public awareness, and policy reform. Their resources help communities recognize trafficking risks and understand how to protect vulnerable children.
Learn more: https://sharedhope.org/
3. International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission is a global Christian human-rights organization working to combat trafficking and violence against children. They partner with law enforcement and justice systems around the world to rescue victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Learn more:
https://www.ijm.org/
