Spanish
Florida. – A total of 60 children and adolescents reported as missing were located and rescued as part of the "Operation Dragon Eye" operation, an initiative led by the United States Marshals Service in coordination with various state and local agencies. The operation took place over two weeks in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
According to authorities, all recovered minors are between 9 and 17 years old, and their identities were kept confidential for security reasons. As part of the operation, eight people were also arrested on charges related to human trafficking, exposing minors to dangerous situations, drug possession, and interference with custody.
You can also read: Ticks in New York: Authorities issue alert for surge
The initiative had three main objectives: to locate missing minors in critical situations, to provide them with comprehensive care, and to deter those who take advantage of their vulnerability. The rescued children received medical care, food, psychological support, and specialized social services. William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, called the operation one of the most successful in the history of the Marshals Service. "The recovery of 60 children and the arrest of dangerous individuals represents an unprecedented achievement in the fight against child exploitation," he stated. The offices of the sheriff of the counties involved, the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Department of Juvenile Justice, children's rights organizations, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children actively participated in the operation. Callahan Walsh, CEO of this latest entity, stated: "The operation demonstrates what is possible to achieve when institutions unite with a common mission: to protect the most vulnerable children."
