TAMPA, Fla. — A multiagency operation in Florida led to the safe recovery of 60 children, according to state Attorney General James Uthmeier, many of whom were reported missing, and the arrests of eight people in what the United States Marshals Service calls the largest child rescue operation in American history.

Uthmeier announced the success of “Operation Dragon Eye” alongside partnering federal, state and local law enforcement agencies during a news conference in Tampa Monday morning.

“Protecting our kids and keeping Florida the safest state to raise a family is our number one priority,” Uthmeier said. “Today is a result of the hard work to deliver on that promise.”

Operation Dragon Eye’s mission centered on helping find missing children in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. The operation took place over two weeks, and the rescued children ranged in age from nine to 17 years old.

Uthmeier said many of the children were in “critical danger” and at risk of trafficking.

“Many of these kids have been through painful, disastrous situations,” he said. “But at least today we’ve rescued them and we now can work towards recovery.”

Authorities said eight adults were charged with crimes ranging from human trafficking to child endangerment, along with drug charges, as a result of the operation. The suspects were given bonds ranging from no bond to a $250 million bond, officials said.

During the operation, authorities identified at least 26 children rescued who had been reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Law enforcement and state officials, along with victim advocacy groups, spoke during Monday’s news conference, applauding the coordinated effort among 20 agencies to recover dozens of children safely.

“Operation Dragon Eye is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together with urgency and with shared purpose,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch. “Thanks to your efforts, 60 children, as you have heard, are now safe and supported and that’s something everyone should be proud of.”