Operation Dragon Eye: 60 Missing Children Rescued in Florida Human Trafficking Sting

Tampa Bay, FL – A collaborative effort spearheaded by the U.S. marshals service and numerous local partners has resulted in the prosperous recovery of 60 critically missing children in Florida, marking what officials are calling the most impactful operation of its kind [Source: U.S. Marshals Service].”Operation Dragon eye,” a two-week initiative spanning Hillsborough,Pinellas,and Pasco Counties,located children aged 9 to 17,some of whom were pregnant,and led to the arrest of eight individuals on charges ranging from human trafficking to child endangerment [3].

Inside Operation Dragon Eye

Critically missing children face an elevated risk of sexual exploitation, violence, and substance abuse. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway emphasized the operation’s significance, stating, “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” [Source: SPPD]. The operation ran from June 2nd to 13th, with authorities apprehending convicted child predators among the eight suspects.

Did You Know? The FBI’s “Operation Cross country” also focuses on rescuing child sex trafficking victims,recovering 59 minor victims in a recent sweep [2].

U.S.Marshal William Berger for the Middle District of Florida highlighted the operation’s efficiency,noting that a similar inquiry in Atlanta took six weeks to recover 30 children.The suspects now face a range of severe charges. According to Berger, arresting these offenders is crucial, as “experience tells us, if the offenders are not apprehended, thay will reconnect with these children.”

Multi-Agency Collaboration

Operation Dragon Eye involved over 20 agencies and 120 individuals, including the Florida Attorney General’s office, Florida department of Law enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ), and various local law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach ensured that the recovered children received immediate healthcare and social services, increasing their chances of avoiding similar situations in the future.

Pro Tip: If you suspect a child is missing or being trafficked,contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or your local law enforcement immediately.

Dr.Katherine Gomez, director of human trafficking intervention for the FDJJ, noted that while half of the recovered youth had prior involvement with the juvenile justice system, all 60 were given the chance to receive health and social services. Largo-based BayCare has been providing medical and mental health services to recovered youth since 2024, and has since established a dedicated hub to enhance these efforts.

A Story of Hope

Natasha nascimento,CEO of Redefining Refuge,shared a poignant story of a missing girl who became pregnant by a trafficker. During her first ultrasound at BayCare, hearing her baby’s heartbeat sparked a profound change. “This moment awakened something in this child… and it was almost as though she realized that instead of just doing the soul-stretching work of just surviving, she was willing to fight for the life that was inside of her.”

Nascimento emphasized the far-reaching impact of the operation: “So,to everyone involved in this operation,you didn’t just protect children – you protected their children. You didn’t just save one child; you saved generations.”

The Link Between Missing Children and Human Trafficking

The intersection of missing children and human trafficking is a critical concern. Children who repeatedly go missing from care are at a considerably higher risk of being trafficked, especially those with histories of violence, abuse, or unstable living conditions [1]. Traffickers often target isolated and vulnerable youth.