In what authorities are calling the largest child recovery operation in Florida history — and possibly the nation’s — law enforcement officials rescued 60 missing children and arrested eight suspects in a sweeping two-week initiative dubbed Operation Dragon Eye.
Led by the U.S. Marshal’s Office and coordinated with 20 agencies across Central Florida, the operation targeted the recovery of critically missing children in the Tampa Bay area. The children, aged 9 to 17, were provided with immediate care, support services, and safe housing upon rescue.
“This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return to the streets to be further victimized,” said U.S. Marshal William Berger.
At a press conference on Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the collaborative effort.
“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said. “If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.”
Uthmeier, a father of three, added, “Protecting children is my top priority.”
The eight defendants arrested during the operation face a range of charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) played a vital role by helping shape the operation’s recovery protocols, offering critical information, and ensuring safe accommodations and ongoing care for the children.
“Under the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Children and Families remains unrelenting when it comes to the protection, safety, and well-being of some of the most vulnerable Floridians – our children,” said DCF Secretary Taylor Hatch.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized the broader impact: “60 kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers.”
Glass also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to families still searching for their children: “At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely.”
Officials say the success of Operation Dragon Eye underscores Florida’s determination to combat human trafficking and protect its most vulnerable residents.
