Florida rescues 60 missing children in trafficking sting, one of largest in US history

As the Sunshine State advanced new protections for children, the state attorney general revealed that dozens of children were saved through an operation “fighting evil head-on.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) may have signed a series of new laws advanced through the state legislature with an aim to crack down on predators, but Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) credited the success of Operation Dragon Eye to the “real heroes” in law enforcement. Through the coordination of 20 agencies, 60 critically missing children were rescued from sex trafficking.

“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission. 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,” said the state’s top cop as his Office of Statewide Prosecution handled legal counsel for the U.S. Marshal’s Office-led operation.

“Over two weeks, our prosecutors worked with the U.S. Marshals and law enforcement on one of the largest child rescue operations in U.S. History, resulting in the rescue of 60 missing children,” Uthmeier explained as partners included the sheriff’s offices in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, police departments and non-profits. “Operation Dragon Eye resulted in 8 arrests, and additional human trafficking investigations continue. We will keep fighting evil head-on and bringing accountability to those who harm children.”

Over two weeks, our prosecutors worked with the U.S. Marshals and law enforcement on one of the largest child rescue operations in U.S. History, resulting in the rescue of 60 missing children.

Operation Dragon Eye resulted in 8 arrests, and additional human trafficking… pic.twitter.com/2NnVEDjTxE

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 23, 2025

These results speak for themselves.

Thank God for everyone who fought to bring these kids home. pic.twitter.com/4ui2leaKhI

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 23, 2025

“The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children ranging from age 9 to 17 were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care,” expressed U.S. Marshall William Berger. “This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return back to the streets to be further victimized.”

Several of the rescued girls were said to be pregnant, including at least one carrying the child of one of the arrested traffickers, according to Fox News.

Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch commented, “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.”

“DCF is proud to work alongside its federal, state, and local partners in this united mission. I am appreciative of our DCF team members and key partners that provided critical information, helped shape recovery protocols, and secured safe housing and ongoing supports to ensure that every child recovered was met with care and compassion,” added Hatch.

Throughout June, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a number of laws to protect children against sexual crimes that included eliminating the defenses regarding ignorance of the age of the victims and increased penalties for primary and subsequent offenses.

He is also expected to sign SB 1804 permitting capital punishment for human traffickers with regard to vulnerable individuals defined as children under the age of 12 years old and those with mental incapacitation or defects. That law would take effect Oct. 1, 2025.

“Florida has zero tolerance for criminals who exploit children,” said the governor at the June 10 signing. “Throughout my time in office, we’ve worked with the legislature to strengthen penalties for child abuse, hold predators accountable, and ensure that Florida remains a safe place to raise a family.”

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1,830 signals were received from Florida in 2024, prompting 832 cases involving 1,874 victims, placing it in the top three behind California and Texas, which had 3,603 and 2,439 victims identified, respectively, in 2024.