Operation Dragon Eye Florida: In June 2025, Florida became the epicenter of a groundbreaking effort to combat child trafficking and exploitation with Operation Dragon Eye, a two-week initiative that marked the largest child rescue operation in both Florida and United States history. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service Middle District of Florida, this multi-agency mission successfully recovered or safely located 60 critically missing children, aged 9 to 17, across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties in the Tampa Bay area. The operation not only brought these vulnerable children to safety but also resulted in the arrest of eight individuals on charges ranging from human trafficking to child endangerment. This blog post delves into the details of this historic operation, its impact, and the collaborative efforts that made it possible.
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The Scope of Operation Dragon Eye
Operation Dragon Eye, conducted from June 2 to June 13, 2025, was a meticulously planned effort targeting “critically missing” children—those at heightened risk of violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, or domestic abuse. The U.S. Marshals Service defined these children as facing elevated risk factors, making their recovery a matter of urgent priority. The operation’s three primary objectives were clear: recover these vulnerable youths, provide them with essential services such as medical and psychological care, and deter predators exploiting missing children.
The operation’s success stemmed from a multidisciplinary task force involving over 20 federal, state, and local agencies, alongside social service organizations, medical professionals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Key partners included the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, among others. This collaborative approach ensured a comprehensive strategy, combining law enforcement expertise with victim support services to address both immediate rescues and long-term recovery.
A Multifaceted Approach to Combating Child Trafficking
Operation Dragon Eye employed a range of tactics to achieve its goals. Undercover operations allowed law enforcement to infiltrate trafficking networks, while digital forensics helped track and identify perpetrators through online evidence. Community outreach and partnerships with NGOs like Bridging Freedom and More Too Life played a crucial role in providing resources and raising public awareness about the signs of child trafficking. These efforts underscored the operation’s commitment to not only rescuing children but also dismantling the infrastructure that enables trafficking.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, with charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference. One particularly harrowing case involved a young girl found pregnant with her trafficker’s child, highlighting the gut-wrenching realities of exploitation. Bonds for the arrested individuals ranged from no bond to an unprecedented $250 million, reflecting the severity of the crimes.
Beyond Rescue: Providing Care and Support
What set Operation Dragon Eye apart was its focus on holistic care for the rescued children. Upon recovery, the children—69% of whom were missing from the community and 31% from foster homes—received immediate medical evaluations, psychological support, nourishment, and access to child advocates. Organizations like BayCare and the Children’s Home Network ensured that these services were tailored to the children’s needs, addressing both physical and emotional trauma. Follow-up assistance was also provided to prevent re-victimization, with the goal of helping these youths rebuild their lives in safe environments.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the operation’s significance, stating, “Protecting our kids and keeping Florida the safest state to raise a family is our number one priority.” U.S. Marshal William Berger echoed this sentiment, noting that the operation’s success was unprecedented, marking it as the most successful missing child recovery effort in U.S. Marshals Service history. FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass reinforced the state’s commitment, declaring, “Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers.”
The Broader Impact and Ongoing Efforts
Operation Dragon Eye is part of a larger push in Florida to combat human trafficking, a persistent issue in a state that ranks among the top three in the U.S. for reported cases. In 2024, Florida recorded over 1,830 trafficking signals, identifying nearly 1,874 victims, many of whom were minors. Governor Ron DeSantis has supported these efforts with significant funding, including $4.9 million for emergency shelter beds and $900,000 for FDLE initiatives.
The operation’s success serves as a model for future efforts, demonstrating the power of collaboration and community vigilance. Callahan Walsh, Executive Director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, praised the operation, stating, “The success of Operation DRAGON EYE is a testament to what’s possible when agencies unite with a shared mission to protect children.”
A Call to Action
Operation Dragon Eye is a beacon of hope in the fight against child trafficking, but the work is far from over. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, recognize the signs of trafficking, and report suspicious activity to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or local authorities. By supporting organizations combating exploitation and raising awareness, communities can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable children.
This historic operation not only saved 60 lives but also sent a clear message: Florida is committed to hunting predators and bringing kids home. As the state continues its relentless pursuit of justice, Operation Dragon Eye stands as a powerful reminder that every child deserves a safe future.
Sources: U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Attorney General’s Office, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children