In a huge law enforcement success, U.S. Marshals recovered 60 critically missing children through “Operation Dragon Eye,” the largest child rescue operation in U.S. history.
See the tweet below this post.
While the border crisis enables human trafficking, law enforcement agencies in Florida stepped up to protect the most vulnerable in their communities.
Working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies across Tampa Bay, U.S. Marshals led a two-week initiative that resulted in the rescue of 60 missing children, some as young as 9 years old.
The operation involved over 100 personnel from various agencies, focusing on children at high risk of exploitation and violence in the foster care system and those who had repeatedly run away from home.
William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, stated:
“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.”
While leftist politicians and media focus on identity politics and pronouns, Florida’s law enforcement prioritized actual child safety.
Many of these children had fallen prey to criminals who exploited them in exchange for basic necessities like food and shelter, a growing problem in communities across America.
“They’re our kids being exploited — right here in Florida,” Dr. Katherine Gomez said.
She highlighted the disturbing reality that trafficking happens in neighborhoods, not just in foreign countries or at the porous southern border.
The operation resulted in eight arrests on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference.
These arrests proved what conservatives have long maintained – predators are actively targeting America’s youth while progressive policies often enable them.
Moreover, the federal government has failed to protect children crossing the southern border illegally, where many disappear into trafficking networks.
This morning, Secretary @HatchFL joined partners to recognize the largest child rescue operation in the nation’s history. Through Operation DRAGON EYE, 60 missing children were safely recovered.⁰⁰At the direction of @GovRonDeSantis DCF worked in close coordination with the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/jpTRRFOMHx
— Florida Department of Children and Families (@MyFLFamilies) June 24, 2025
Florida’s operation demonstrates how coordinated law enforcement can achieve results when prioritizing child safety over political correctness.
St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said:
“This shows everyone that here, not just in Florida, but in the Tampa Bay area, we are serious about recovering our children and making sure we bring them back home safely. To the suspects who are out there: We’re coming to get you.”
More than half of the recovered youths had been previously involved in the juvenile justice system, pointing to ongoing failures in the system that allow vulnerable children to slip through the cracks.
Instead of addressing these systemic failures, leftist policies continue pushing “restorative justice” approaches that return troubled youth to dangerous environments.
Meanwhile, Florida’s approach stands in stark contrast to progressive cities where crime runs rampant and children face increasing danger.
Governor DeSantis’ leadership has created an environment where law enforcement can effectively protect families without the handcuffs of woke policies that prioritize criminals’ rights over victims’ safety.
The operation went beyond just finding the missing children – it included comprehensive follow-up care, providing physical and psychological support to prevent these youth from returning to dangerous situations.
As America faces growing threats to children from trafficking networks, online predators, and failed government policies, this operation is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement is allowed to do its job without progressive interference.
