In a significant operation across Florida, authorities have successfully located 122 missing children, marking one of the most extensive child recovery efforts in U.S. history, officials announced on Monday.

Led by the U.S. Marshals, “Operation Home for the Holidays” spanned two weeks and targeted major urban areas throughout the state. The mission focused on rescuing vulnerable, missing, and exploited minors, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, aged 2 to 17, according to officials.

FBI Director Kash Patel shared with Fox News Digital, “Each child we bring to safety reaffirms our mission’s importance. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, our federal, state, and local teams are collaborating more effectively, sharing vital information swiftly, and pursuing those who exploit our communities. Our commitment will endure until every child is secure and every perpetrator is brought to justice.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, alongside other state officials, was present at a news conference to announce the success of “Operation Home for the Holidays.”

Officials reported that the children have been placed back into state care and are receiving necessary recovery services. The operation uncovered links to pornography rings, prostitution networks, and drug-related activities in some instances.

The children were located in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. In addition, 13 were found in nine other states and 2 were found in Mexico and Guatemala. 

Many of them experienced various levels of abuse, including neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activity. 

“Many of them have been through the unthinkable,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier told “Fox & Friends” on Monday. “They’ve been exploited. They’ve been endangered and in the worst of cases, they’ve been physically, sexually abused.”

 Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier speaks during a press conference to announce “Operation Home for the Holidays.”  (WTVT)

Six adults were arrested, with more expected in the future, authorities said. Those arrested will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, Uthmeier said. 

“Child predators, stay out of Florida. You are not welcome here,” he said.

“Operation Home for the Holidays” was developed with an emphasis on quick access to child-focused services, Uthmeier’s office said. Investigators used real-time intelligence and field operations to locate the missing children. 

Victim advocates and child welfare specialists partnered with law enforcement to provide immediate resources to the rescued children, officials said. 

“Operation Home for the Holidays is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with urgency and shared purpose to recover Florida’s most vulnerable children,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DCF continues to seize opportunities to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to maximize our impact—this time, bringing more than 120 children to safety.”