TAMPA, Fla. — Sixty missing or endangered children were rescued in the Tampa Bay area as part of a multi-agency crackdown on child exploitation and trafficking, officials announced Tuesday. Dubbed “Operation Dragon Eye,” the joint effort was led by the U.S. Marshals Service and supported by 20 partner agencies, including the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Department of Children and Families.
The operation resulted in the arrests of eight individuals on a range of charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. One suspect has been formally charged with human trafficking, and two additional trafficking cases remain under investigation.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who joined U.S. Marshal William Berger in announcing the results, emphasized the state’s commitment to child safety.
“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement officers who built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said. “If you victimize children, you’re going to prison—end of story.”
Marshal Berger highlighted the care provided to the rescued children, who ranged in age from 9 to 17.
“These critically missing children were not only recovered, but received physical and psychological care,” Berger said. “This operation also included follow-up support in hopes these youth will not return to the streets to be further victimized.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said the outcome reinforces the state’s tough stance on trafficking.
“Sixty kids saved—that number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers,” said Glass. “We will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.”
Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch praised the collaboration between agencies and the support provided to the victims.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DCF remains unrelenting in protecting vulnerable children,” Hatch said. “Every child recovered was met with care and compassion thanks to the work of our team and partners.”
The Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP), under Uthmeier’s direction, is leading the prosecution, with support from state attorneys in the Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits. Special Counsel Rita Peters will prosecute the primary human trafficking case.
