In a massive human trafficking bust that shocked the nation, 60 children as young as 9 years old were rescued from sexual exploitation in Florida, with several victims found pregnant by their abusers.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Dragon Eye rescued 60 missing children aged 9-17 across Central Florida, possibly marking the largest child recovery operation in U.S. history.
- Eight suspects were arrested on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, and drug trafficking.
- Multiple rescued children were found pregnant, including one carrying the child of her trafficker.
- The operation involved 20+ agencies led by U.S. Marshals with support from Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
- Florida ranks among the top three states for human trafficking cases alongside California and Texas.
Unprecedented Rescue Operation Saves Dozens of Children
In what officials are calling the most successful missing child recovery effort in U.S. history, Operation Dragon Eye has rescued 60 children from human trafficking operations across Tampa Bay and Central Florida. The meticulously planned two-week operation targeted Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, focusing on children designated as “critically missing” – those at high risk of violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, or domestic violence. U.S. Marshals for the Middle District of Florida spearheaded the effort with crucial support from over 20 agencies, including local police departments and Florida’s Department of Children and Families.
The operation resulted in eight arrests on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. Eleven of the rescued children and two suspects were from St. Petersburg alone, with one suspect facing specific human trafficking charges. These arrests represent just the beginning of what officials promise will be aggressive prosecution efforts aimed at sending a clear message to child predators across the state.
60 Missing Children have been RESCUED ages 9-17 human trafficking/kidnapping ring-Operation Dragon Eye following covert sting across FL. Hillsborough,Pinellas & Pasco counties.
8 arrested
"If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story"https://t.co/MUA39v3abn— Rose "The Realest" (@RoseNotlisting) June 24, 2025
Heartbreaking Details Emerge About Rescued Children
The children, ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old, received immediate physical and psychological care after their rescue. In an alarming revelation, officials disclosed that several of the rescued children were pregnant. “Several children that were recovered during this operation were pregnant, one such child, a girl, just barely beginning her own life, and yet she was carrying a life inside of her. The baby, actually, of her trafficker,” said Natasha Nascimento, founder of Redefining Refuge, an organization that assists trafficking victims.
“The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children ranging from age 9 to 17 were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care,” said William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida.
Florida Takes Tough Stance Against Child Predators
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier didn’t mince words when discussing how the state plans to handle those responsible for exploiting these children. “The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement officers 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,” stated Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“60 kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers. At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass.
Florida’s stance against human trafficking comes with good reason – the state consistently ranks among the top three states for reported human trafficking cases alongside California and Texas. In 2024 alone, over 1,830 human trafficking signals were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, identifying 1,874 victims. Most victims are between 11 and 17 years old, with traffickers increasingly targeting potential victims through online platforms.
Ongoing Commitment to Protecting Florida’s Children
Operation Dragon Eye represents just one component of Florida’s broader commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting children. The state’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the criminal cases against the defendants, ensuring specialized expertise in prosecuting these complex crimes. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have pledged to continue searching for children who remain missing, with a promise that efforts to rescue trafficking victims will not end with this operation.
“Under the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Children and Families remains unrelenting when it comes to the protection, safety, and well-being of some of the most vulnerable Floridians — our children. DCF is proud to work alongside its federal, state, and local partners in this united mission,” Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
As officials continue processing evidence and conducting interviews related to Operation Dragon Eye, additional arrests are expected in the coming weeks. The operation stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when agencies collaborate effectively to protect the most vulnerable members of society, setting a new standard for child recovery operations nationwide.
