U.S. Marshals Recover 60 Missing Children in Major Florida Sting

A coordinated law enforcement operation across the Tampa Bay region led to the recovery of 60 critically missing children—some of whom were victims of human trafficking—according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Dragon Eye,” lasted two weeks and involved more than 20 agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service and sheriff’s offices in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. 

According to U.S. Marshal William Berger, the rescue effort is among the most successful in agency history.

“I have to curtail my enthusiasm because of the sensitivity of the victims involved in this operation, but the successful recovery of 60 missing children, complemented with the arrest of eight individuals, including child predators, signifies the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service; or to my knowledge, any other similar operation held in the United States,” Berger said in a press release.

Many of the recovered children had been missing for extended periods, some for months or even years. 

Several were found in high-risk environments, including motels and private residences. 

Officials reported that a number of the recovered girls were pregnant, allegedly impregnated by their traffickers.

Authorities said all rescued minors are now in safe custody and are being referred to trauma recovery and medical care services. 

Support organizations including Bridging Freedom, Redefining Refuge and BayCare are involved in the ongoing rehabilitation process.

Callahan Walsh of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children praised the collaboration between agencies

“The success of Operation DRAGON EYE is a testament to what’s possible when agencies unite with a shared mission to protect children,” Walsh said in a statement. 

“We’re proud to have supported the U.S. Marshals Service and our partners in Florida to recover these missing children and provide critical support to those who need it most.”

The operation targeted children considered “critically missing,” meaning those believed to be at severe risk due to exposure to violence, abuse or exploitation, according to Fox News.

Eight individuals were arrested during the mission on charges ranging from human trafficking and child endangerment to interference with custody and drug offenses. 

Officials say additional investigations are ongoing.

Since 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service has prioritized operations aimed at recovering critically endangered minors. 

Operation Dragon Eye continues that trend, with law enforcement emphasizing the role of public tips and community awareness in the successful recovery of many of the children.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier credited the multi-agency task force model and pledged continued efforts to locate missing children and dismantle trafficking networks.

“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said. 

“As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority. If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.”

The success of Operation Dragon Eye has renewed calls for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community partners to protect the nation’s most vulnerable.

With additional operations expected across the state, officials are urging the public to remain alert and proactive.

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