Amidst growing fears of child trafficking and exploitation, Operation Dragon Eye led to the recovery of 60 missing children, marking it the largest child rescue mission in U.S. history.
See the tweet below this post.
Law enforcement heroes in Florida took decisive action to protect America’s most vulnerable citizens from predators hiding in communities.
The two-week operation, led by the U.S. Marshals Service and involving over 100 personnel from 20 different law enforcement agencies across Tampa Bay, concluded this week.
The mission specifically targeted “critically missing” children – those facing elevated risk factors or in danger of violence – with some victims as young as 9 years old.
William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, did not mince words about the historic significance of this operation:
“I have to curtail my enthusiasm because of the sensitivity of the victims involved in this operation, but the successful recovery of 60 missing children, complemented with the arrest of eight individuals, including child predators, signifies the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service; or to my knowledge, any other similar operation held in the United States.”
The operation revealed the disturbing reality that many victims were already part of the foster care system or had repeatedly run away from home, placing them in high-risk situations.
More than half had prior involvement with the juvenile justice system. These vulnerable children often fell prey to exploitation in exchange for basic necessities like food and shelter.
Operation Dragon Eye’s comprehensive approach to child welfare sets it apart from previous efforts.
The rescued children received immediate physical and psychological care, and authorities implemented follow-up assistance to prevent them from returning to dangerous environments.
Moreover, Florida’s leadership celebrated this victory for families while sending a crystal-clear message to child predators.
James Uthmeier, who attended the operation’s press conference, stated: “Many of these kids have been through painful disastrous situations but, at least today, we’ve rescued them, and we now can work towards recovery.”
FLORIDA 🇺🇸🦅
Authorities located 60 missing children in Operation Dragon Eye, a two-week initiative designed to recover or safely locate the critically missing youth between ages 9 and 17 from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties. The operation also arrested 8 people on pic.twitter.com/rCoY4VCFFH
— BABS D (@Barbara14130169) June 24, 2025
Meanwhile, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway delivered a warning that should make every criminal shudder: “To the suspects who are out there: We’re coming to get you.”
The operation resulted in eight arrests on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference.
These arrests underscore how missing children cases often connect to broader criminal enterprises operating in the communities – the same ones liberals insist are “safe” despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
This monumental success demonstrates what can be achieved when government agencies work together with a shared mission instead of pursuing radical political agendas.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children praised the collaborative effort, reinforcing that protecting America’s children should transcend politics.
While some politicians focus on pronouns and climate hysteria, Florida’s law enforcement heroes are delivering real results that save American lives.
