Trump’s Justice Department just delivered the largest child trafficking rescue in U.S. history, saving 60 innocent children from the horrors of sex trafficking in Florida’s “Operation Dragon Eye.”
In a stunning victory against child exploitation, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered 60 missing children aged 9 to 17 in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. This massive rescue operation, led by Trump’s Justice Department, resulted in eight arrests on serious charges including human trafficking and child endangerment. The operation involved coordination between 20 different agencies and is being hailed as the most successful missing child recovery effort in USMS history. Florida officials have promised severe consequences for child predators, with Attorney General James Uthmeier vowing prison time for anyone who victimizes children.
Trump Administration Leads Historic Child Rescue
Operation Dragon Eye, a two-week initiative targeting child traffickers in Florida, has culminated in the most successful missing child recovery effort in United States Marshals Service history. The operation was announced on June 23, 2025, after weeks of careful planning and coordination.
The Trump-led Justice Department’s initiative successfully located 60 critically missing children from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. These vulnerable minors, ranging in age from 9 to 17, were rescued from what officials described as dangerous and exploitative situations.
60 Children were recovered in an operation they are calling Dragon Eye.
This has been absent from the news. Ask yourself why. pic.twitter.com/8e3eOBxukQ— AC_Truth (@truth_ac) June 24, 2025
William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, could barely contain his pride when announcing the operation’s success. The recovery effort stands as a powerful example of President Trump’s commitment to protecting America’s children from predators.
Eight individuals were arrested during the operation on serious charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. Law enforcement officials made it clear that this operation is just the beginning of a renewed effort to crack down on those who exploit children.
Florida Takes Bold Stand Against Child Trafficking
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, appointed under Republican leadership, played a crucial role in coordinating the multi-agency task force. His office worked hand-in-hand with federal authorities to ensure the operation’s success.
The operation revealed disturbing evidence of the sex trafficking industry’s brutality, including cases of young girls who had been impregnated by their traffickers. These horrific discoveries only strengthen conservative lawmakers’ resolve to implement the harshest possible penalties for child predators.
Florida currently ranks among the top three states for reported human trafficking cases, alongside California and Texas. Unlike Democrat-run states that have gone soft on crime, Florida’s Republican leadership has responded with increased funding and stricter penalties for human traffickers.
Governor Ron DeSantis, working in alignment with Trump’s tough-on-crime policies, has made combating human trafficking a priority in Florida. This operation demonstrates how conservative governance can effectively protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Massive Multi-Agency Collaboration
Operation Dragon Eye showcased the power of cooperation between 20 different agencies, including federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as social service organizations. This collaborative approach, championed by the Trump administration, proved highly effective in dismantling trafficking networks.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, deployed specialized units to track down missing children. Their tactical expertise was crucial in conducting raids that led to both child rescues and perpetrator arrests.
“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,” said William Berger.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provided essential intelligence and support throughout the operation. Their partnership with law enforcement demonstrates how public-private collaborations can yield impressive results in the fight against child exploitation.
Commissioner Mark Glass stated emphatically, “Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers.” This zero-tolerance approach stands in stark contrast to liberal policies that have failed to adequately address the growing threat of child trafficking.
Comprehensive Care for Rescued Children
Officials revealed that 69% of the rescued children had been missing from their communities, while 31% had disappeared from foster homes. This statistic highlights the need for greater oversight of child welfare systems, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Each rescued child received immediate medical evaluation and psychological care, with long-term support plans established to help them recover from their traumatic experiences. The Trump administration has consistently advocated for improved victim services for those affected by violent crimes.
Operation Dragon Eye was the most successful missing child recovery operation in American history.
FDLE agents and analysts were proud to help @USMarshalsHQ bring home 60 children during this operation.
Florida doesn’t look the other way—we hunt predators and bring kids home. pic.twitter.com/KijFyF8yoy
— FDLE (@fdlepio) June 23, 2025
Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the human aspect of the operation, stating, “The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission. As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority. If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.”
Since 2015, the United States Marshals Service has located or recovered more than 3,967 missing children across America. This ongoing commitment to child safety has intensified under President Trump’s leadership, with more resources being dedicated to combating human trafficking networks.
Sources:
Operation Dragon Eye rescues 60 ‘critically missing’ Florida children, officials say
Trump Marshals Rescue Dozens of Children From Sex Trafficking Ring.