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On Thursday, federal officials revealed they have successfully rescued 43 missing children in Florida during a focused 12-day initiative.
The U.S. Marshals Service, collaborating with 25 other agencies, conducted the search as part of Operation Northern Lights, which ran from December 1 through December 12. The operation aimed at locating critically missing children and ensuring their immediate safety from potential exploitation, as reported by WPEC.
While the main focus was Florida, children were also found in Louisiana and Mississippi. Among those rescued was a 1-year-old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a 13-year-old who had been missing for eight months.
Officials reported making nine arrests, primarily related to custody interference.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated, “We are committed to seeking the toughest charges against those endangering these children,” as noted by WFLA.
Operation Northern Lights was conducted under the Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. Additional criminal charges are pending.