In what’s being called the largest child recovery mission in American history, U.S. Marshals and more than a dozen local and federal agencies have rescued 60 missing children in Florida during a sweeping operation called Operation Dragon Eye.
The two-week initiative, led by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Middle District of Florida, focused on locating “critically missing” youth — those considered at the highest risk of violence, exploitation, or harm. The children, ranging in age from 9 to 17, were found across multiple locations in the state. According to the Marshals, this marks the most successful child recovery mission in the agency’s history.
“This operation had three primary objectives: recover critically missing youth, provide them with essential services including appropriate placement, and deter bad actors exploiting missing child vulnerabilities,” officials said in a June 23 statement.
“Critically missing” refers to children believed to be at risk of serious crimes, including human trafficking, sexual abuse, drug exposure, and domestic violence. Upon recovery, the children were provided with medical evaluations, counseling, food, and social support services.
Eight suspects were arrested during the operation, facing charges such as human trafficking, narcotics possession, child endangerment, and custodial interference.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed that the operation successfully rescued 17 boys and 43 girls.
U.S. Marshal William Berger emphasized the importance of the aftercare services provided:
“These children weren’t just recovered—they were interviewed, treated, and connected to the help they need to begin healing. Our hope is that none of them will return to dangerous environments.”
Attorney General Uthmeier also praised the team’s efforts:
“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement officers who executed this mission. As a father, I’m committed to protecting kids. If you hurt children, you’re going to prison—end of story.”
Callahan Walsh, executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), applauded the mission and its impact:
“We’re proud to support the U.S. Marshals and Florida agencies in bringing these children to safety. NCMEC remains dedicated to ensuring every child can grow up safe and protected.”
Operation Dragon Eye stands as a powerful reminder of the scale of child endangerment in the U.S.—and the efforts underway to bring those most vulnerable back to safety.
