❓WHAT HAPPENED: Dozens of children were rescued as part of a major operation targeting child sex trafficking in Florida.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida, the Trump Justice Department, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and 20 other state and federal agencies.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The operation, dubbed “Operation Dragon Eye,” took place in Florida and was announced Monday, June 23, 2025.
💬KEY QUOTE: “If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.” – Attorney General James Uthmeier
🎯IMPACT: Sixty critically missing children were located, eight suspects were arrested, and long-term care protocols for the victims were initiated.
Florida authorities have announced the successful rescue of dozens of children as part of “Operation Dragon Eye,” a coordinated effort to combat child sex trafficking. The initiative was led by the U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida, under the Trump Justice Department, and supported by the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. It involved 20 state and federal agencies working together to locate 60 critically missing children and apprehend individuals involved in trafficking, drug distribution, and child endangerment.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the importance of protecting children, stating, “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.” The operation revealed the harsh realities of sex trafficking, including instances of young girls who were pregnant, one of whom was carrying the child of her trafficker.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued children, ranging in age from nine to 17, were deemed “critically missing” due to risks such as violence, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation. Each child received immediate medical evaluations and psychological support, with long-term care plans established. U.S. Marshal William Berger noted, “The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played a pivotal role, with Commissioner Mark Glass assuring families of missing children that efforts would not cease. “Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers,” Glass said. He added, “At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely.”
Eight arrests were made during the operation, with charges ranging from human trafficking to drug possession. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is handling the criminal cases, with Special Counsel Rita Peters leading the prosecution. Florida remains among the top three states for reported human trafficking cases, alongside California and Texas. State leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis (R), have increased funding and enacted stricter penalties to combat trafficking.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
.jpg){kind=link}
