In a major victory for child safety, the U.S. Marshals Service in Florida has announced the recovery or safe location of 60 critically missing children through a coordinated, two-week effort called Operation DRAGON EYE.
Described as the most successful missing child operation in the agency’s history, the initiative was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service Middle District of Florida in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, social services, medical professionals, and NGOs.
Mission and Impact
According to a statement released Monday, the operation had three primary goals:
- Recover critically missing children.
- Ensure they receive proper care, placement, and services.
- Crack down on individuals exploiting vulnerable children.
The effort led to eight arrests, including charges for human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and custodial interference.
“These were not just recoveries. Each child received medical attention, nutrition, emotional support, and placement services,” officials said.
Who Was Recovered
The operation focused on children classified as “critically missing”—those believed to be at high risk due to factors like exposure to abuse, crime, exploitation, substance use, or violence at home. Victims ranged in age from 9 to 17 years old and were located across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
Law Enforcement Perspective
U.S. Marshal William Berger emphasized the significance of the mission:
“I have to temper my excitement out of respect for the victims, but recovering 60 missing children and arresting multiple predators marks a historic success. Not only were these kids found, they were cared for—physically and psychologically. Our hope is that they won’t return to the streets where they risk further harm.”
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Responds
Callahan Walsh, Executive Director at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), praised the effort:
“Operation DRAGON EYE shows what’s possible when agencies unite to protect kids. NCMEC is proud to support these efforts and will keep working to ensure every child has a safe and secure future.”
As pressure grows to address child exploitation and trafficking nationwide, Operation DRAGON EYE stands out as a model of successful, coordinated action—showing that even the most complex cases can be solved when communities come together with a shared goal: protecting vulnerable children.
