Children Rescued in Florida Child Trafficking Operation

Law enforcement officials successfully rescued dozens of children from suspected sex trafficking networks across Florida. The initiative, called Operation Dragon Eye, was led by the US Marshals Service for the Central District of Florida with assistance from the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

The coordinated effort involved 20 agencies working together to find 60 critically missing children and arrest suspects involved in trafficking, drug offenses, and child abuse. Authorities emphasized the importance of the rescue, noting that the children, aged 9 to 17, had been at significant risk of exploitation.

Many of these children were missing and vulnerable, with some pregnant—one girl even carrying her trafficker’s child. The US Marshals define ‘critically missing’ children as those at risk of violence or facing heightened dangers such as substance abuse and sexual exploitation.

After recovery, each child received immediate medical and psychological assessments. Long-term support and follow-up care have been arranged to prevent re-victimization, according to officials. “Not only are these children rescued, but they are also debriefed and cared for physically and emotionally,” stated US Marshal William Berger.

Eight individuals were detained during the operation, facing charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, and drug-related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests possible. The Office of Statewide Prosecution and regional attorneys are managing the legal proceedings, with Special Counsel Rita Peters leading the human trafficking prosecutions.

Authorities underscored Florida’s ongoing fight against trafficking, with the state remaining among the top three in the nation for reported cases. In 2024, Florida received over 1,830 signals that led to the identification of nearly 1,900 victims, mostly minors manipulated online or through other means.

In response, state leaders have increased funding to combat trafficking—allocating millions for emergency shelters and victim support. The efforts reflect a committed push to protect vulnerable children and dismantle trafficking networks statewide.