In the largest child rescue mission in U.S. history, 60 children as young as 9 years old were saved from sex trafficking rings in Florida, including several who were pregnant by their captors.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Dragon Eye rescued 60 children aged 9-17 from human trafficking networks across multiple Florida counties.
- Eight suspects were arrested on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, and drug trafficking.
- Several rescued children were pregnant, with at least one carrying the child of her trafficker.
- The operation is considered the most successful missing child recovery effort in U.S. Marshals Service history.
- Florida ranks among the top three states for human trafficking cases alongside California and Texas.
Historic Child Rescue Operation Dismantles Trafficking Network
The U.S. Marshals Office for the Middle District of Florida spearheaded the covert “Dragon Eye” mission, rescuing 60 children trapped in human trafficking operations across Tampa Bay. This two-week operation targeted Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, with children ranging from 9 to 17 years old pulled from dangerous situations. The mission involved over 20 agencies working in coordination, including local police departments, Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, and the Department of Children and Families. Officials called it possibly the largest and most successful recovery of missing children in American law enforcement history.
The operation resulted in eight arrests on serious charges that include human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. Of the children rescued, eleven were recovered in St. Petersburg alone, where one suspect faces human trafficking charges. These “critically missing” children were specifically targeted because they faced high risks of violence, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, or domestic violence – situations that made them particularly vulnerable to predators who often recruit victims through online platforms.
60 Missing Children have been RESCUED ages 9-17 human trafficking/kidnapping ring-Operation Dragon Eye following covert sting across FL. Hillsborough,Pinellas & Pasco counties.
8 arrested
"If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story"https://t.co/MUA39v3abn— Rose "The Realest" (@RoseNotlisting) June 24, 2025
Pregnant Victims and Comprehensive Care Response
The horrific nature of the crimes became even more apparent when authorities revealed that several rescued children were pregnant. According to officials, at least one young victim was carrying the child of her trafficker – a devastating reminder of the extreme exploitation these children endured. After rescue, all victims received immediate physical and psychological care, with specialized services for those requiring prenatal support. The operation highlighted the physical and emotional trauma inflicted on these young victims, many of whom had been missing for extended periods.
“Several children that were recovered during this operation were pregnant, one such child, a girl, just barely beginning her own life and yet she was carrying a life inside of her. The baby, actually, of her trafficker,” explained Natasha Nascimento, from Redefining Refuge.
The operation included comprehensive debriefing of rescued children to gather evidence against traffickers while providing trauma-informed care. William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, emphasized the uniqueness of the operation in not only recovering the children but ensuring they received proper care and support. The Florida Department of Children and Families was instrumental in coordinating these services, working to begin the long process of healing and rehabilitation for victims who had endured unimaginable trauma.
Florida Takes Strong Stand Against Child Trafficking
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a stern warning to those who prey on children, making it clear that Florida has zero tolerance for child exploitation. The state’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the criminal cases against the defendants, pursuing maximum penalties. Florida’s aggressive stance comes as the state continues to battle one of the nation’s highest rates of human trafficking – joining California and Texas at the top of this troubling list. In 2024 alone, over 1,830 trafficking signals have been reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, identifying nearly 1,900 victims.
“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,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
While Operation Dragon Eye marks a significant victory, authorities acknowledge that many children remain missing. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has committed to continuing search efforts until every missing child is brought home safely. The operation joins a series of multi-agency efforts targeting human trafficking networks operating in Florida, demonstrating that under Governor Ron DeSantis’s leadership, the state is taking decisive action to protect its most vulnerable residents while other states continue to struggle with similar challenges.
