Florida’s Operation Dragon Eye rescues dozens of ‘critically missing’ children in massive sting
Share and Follow


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Dozens of children were rescued in a blow to child sex trafficking operations in Florida, officials announced Monday.

Dubbed Operation Dragon Eye, the initiative was spearheaded by the U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida and supported by the state Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP).

The effort involved 20 agencies working in tandem to locate 60 critically missing children and apprehend suspects tied to trafficking, drugs and child endangerment.

“The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said in a release. “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.”

“Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida.”

State lawmakers have also passed legislation to increase penalties for traffickers and mandate trafficking-awareness training for hotel workers, healthcare providers and school staff.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Uthmeier’s office for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ring says May 28 suspicious logins were a glitch, not a security breach

Ring Clarifies that May 28 Login Issues Were Due to Glitch, Not Security Breach

Videos on TikTok quickly gained traction as users noted multiple unknown devices…
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot put on leave after Coldplay kiss cam exposed alleged affair

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot Placed on Leave Following Coldplay Concert Incident

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot have allegedly…
Amazon deal: Hawaii-grown pineapples getting fast track to mainland

Amazon to Speed Up Deliveries of Hawaii-Grown Pineapples to the Mainland

HONOLULU (KHON2) – A sweet new deal is taking flight in Hawaii.…
DeSantis administration blindsided officials with Alligator Alcatraz plans

DeSantis Government Surprises Officials with Unexpected Alligator Prison Proposal

DeSantis’ administration left many local officials in the dark about the immigration…
Trump calls for immediate end to ‘unjust’ trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

Trump Urges Immediate Conclusion of Bolsonaro’s ‘Unjust’ Trial

Former President Donald Trump is urging for an immediate halt to the…
Rangers trade Dane Dunning to Braves as MLB trade deadline looms

Rangers Deal Dane Dunning to Braves Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

A right-handed arm with World Series pedigree is heading to Atlanta.  The…
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos A-list guest spills on $50M wedding

Inside Scoop: Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ Lavish $50M Wedding

An A-list guest who attended Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ lavish $50…
Embarrassing REAL reason Stephen Colbert's show was canceled

The True, Embarrassing Reason Behind Stephen Colbert’s Show Cancellation

CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert because it was losing…