U.S. Marshals Lead the Largest Child Rescue Operation in Florida History, Possibly Even in the Country [WATCH]

A two-week law enforcement operation in central Florida led to the rescue of more than 60 missing children, many of whom were victims of human trafficking and critical endangerment, as reported by The Center Square.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of the mission on Monday, calling it the largest child rescue operation ever conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The effort, dubbed Operation Dragon Eye, took place across the Tampa Bay Area and was coordinated by the U.S. Marshals with support from 20 federal, state, and local agencies.

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The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution provided legal oversight during the operation.

“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.”

U.S. Marshal William Berger said the scope and impact of the operation set a new national precedent.

“Operation Dragon Eye was the largest in the history of the United States Marshal Service, if not the history of the United States.”

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According to Berger, missing children ranging in age from 9 to 17 were located in multiple counties. In addition to being found, they were debriefed and provided with medical and psychological care.

Berger emphasized that such interventions are necessary to prevent re-victimization. “Experience tells us if the offenders are not apprehended, they will reconnect with these children. They are, in my opinion, leeches,” he said.

Eight individuals were arrested during the course of the operation. Charges included human trafficking, child endangerment, and drug-related offenses. Bonds for those arrested ranged from no bond to $250 million. “I’ve never heard of that before,” Berger remarked.

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Taylor Hatch said her agency deployed child protective investigators, criminal justice coordinators, and human trafficking specialists.

DCF played a role in the recovery of 26 of the 60 children, providing immediate care upon rescue.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass praised the multi-agency coordination and made clear that traffickers will find no safe haven in Florida. “This sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers,” Glass said.

BREAKING: U.S. Marshals and Florida officials announce 60 missing missing kids were rescued during “Operation Dragonfly” making it the largest child rescuing operation in American history.
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He added that the fight continues. “To any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely,” he said. A human trafficking investigation is ongoing, and officials are encouraging the public to report suspicious activity.

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