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In what officials are calling the largest child rescue operation in US history, law enforcement recovered 60 missing children and arrested eight suspects linked to child trafficking in Central Florida.
The two-week operation, dubbed “Operation Dragon Eye,” was led by the US Marshals Service in partnership with Florida law enforcement and nearly 20 other agencies.
“It’s a tough situation that got us here,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said during a June 23 news conference. “But we’re excited to announce the successful completion of the largest child rescue operation not just in Florida’s history, but in the United States’ history.”
“In a two-week period, this team… rescued 60 kids,” he added. “Kids that were in critical danger, many that were the victims of trafficking.”
The children, ranging in age from 9 to 17, received medical evaluations and psychological care after being rescued. Authorities said many of the victims had been exploited by trafficking networks.
Eight suspects were arrested on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. Investigations into additional suspects and networks remain ongoing, Uthmeier said Monday.
“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,” US Marshal William Berger said in a statement. “This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return to the streets to be further victimized.”
Callahan Walsh, executive director at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), also applauded the effort, calling the operation a model for future cooperation.
“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. “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. NCMEC is honored to stand alongside these teams and will continue working tirelessly to help make sure that every child has a safe childhood.”
