Dozens of children were rescued in a significant operation targeting child sex trafficking in Florida, announced by officials on Monday. Named Operation Dragon Eye, the initiative was led by the U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida, with crucial support from the state Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP). This collaborative effort involved 20 agencies working together to locate 60 critically missing children, as well as to apprehend suspects linked to trafficking, drugs, and child endangerment. Uthmeier emphasized the commitment to protecting children, stating firmly that those who victimize minors will face severe consequences.
The recovered children, aged 9 to 17, were specifically categorized as “critically missing” according to the U.S. Marshals Service, meaning they were at heightened risk for violent crimes or exploitation. Disturbingly, the operation revealed grim realities of sex trafficking, including the recovery of young girls who were pregnant, with one carrying the child of her trafficker. Authorities underscored that the operation’s scope extended beyond rescue; each child received immediate medical evaluations and psychological support to ensure their well-being and aid in their recovery.
U.S. Marshal William Berger highlighted the unique nature of Operation Dragon Eye by pointing out that it not only focused on recovering these minors but also on providing them with necessary care. He mentioned that long-term support systems were put in place to help prevent these children from returning to dangerous environments. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played a vital role in this initiative. Commissioner Mark Glass assured parents of missing children that the FDLE would continue their search efforts relentlessly until all missing children were accounted for.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals facing a range of charges, including human trafficking and child endangerment. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is now responsible for the ongoing criminal cases, supported by state attorneys from the relevant judicial circuits. Special Counsel Rita Peters has been appointed to oversee the prosecution of the human trafficking case while further investigations continue into additional trafficking incidents. This operation underscores the persistent issues of sex trafficking in Florida, which ranks among the top three states in the nation for reported human trafficking cases.
In 2024 alone, Florida’s human trafficking statistics were alarming, with over 1,830 reports leading to the identification of 1,874 victims, many of whom were minors aged between 11 and 17. These children are often lured into trafficking through manipulation or online platforms. In response to the growing crisis, Florida’s leadership has taken proactive measures by increasing funding and legislative initiatives aimed at combating trafficking. Governor Ron DeSantis notably allocated $4.9 million to expand emergency shelter beds for trafficking victims and additional financial support to the FDLE.
Florida’s legislative efforts have focused on increasing penalties for traffickers and mandating training for hotel workers, healthcare providers, and school staff to recognize and respond to trafficking situations effectively. This multifaceted approach is aimed at strengthening the state’s capabilities to combat human trafficking amid the challenges posed by factors like an open southern border. As the involvement of various agencies and the commitment of state leadership continue, Florida aims to be a leader in the fight against human trafficking, ensuring that the safety and welfare of its children remain a top priority.
