WASHINGTON — A missing Arizona girl, who authorities believe was a victim of sex trafficking, has been safely recovered nearly 1,500 miles from home at a sprawling homeless encampment known as “The Jungle” in Washington state.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced the recovery last week, bringing an end to a long-distance search that spanned multiple states. The young girl was located among makeshift tents and shelters in the notorious encampment.

Law enforcement officers, including members of a fugitive task force, were seen conducting operations in the area as part of the effort to locate her.

Details about how the girl ended up in Washington remain under investigation. Authorities suspect she was trafficked across state lines, highlighting the vast network and mobility often involved in such cases.

The recovery is being hailed as a success by law enforcement, though the girl’s family and support services will now focus on her safe reintegration and recovery from the ordeal.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges of missing children, human trafficking, and the vulnerabilities faced by youth in transient or unstable environments across the country.

The girl’s name has not been publicly released to protect her privacy.