Florida officials announced a major victory against child sex trafficking as part of Operation Dragon Eye, a multi-agency operation that rescued 60 critically missing children and led to the arrest of eight individuals. The effort, orchestrated by the U.S. Marshals Service for the Central District of Florida and supported by the state Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP), involved a coordinated approach by 20 agencies to locate and recover the children at risk of crimes of violence or exploitation. The operation was described as one of the most complex and impactful in recent history due to the severity of the risks faced by the children involved, many of whom were missing and vulnerable.
Among the rescued children were several young girls who were pregnant, with one carrying the child of her trafficker. Authorities emphasized that the operation didn’t end with the rescue, but each child received immediate medical evaluations, psychological support, and plans for long-term care to ensure they didn’t return to the streets or face further victimization. U.S. Marshal William Berger highlighted the importance of the operation, stating that the focus was not only on recovery but also on ensuring the children had the support necessary for healing and safety. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played a central role, with Commissioner Mark Glass reiterating the department’s commitment to the safety of missing children.
Eight individuals were arrested during the operation, facing charges related to human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. The investigation, which is ongoing, has also revealed the existence of 26 illegal migrants who were not on the federal radar, indicating the breadth of the trafficking networks being dismantled in Florida. These findings suggest that the operation uncovered a complex web of criminal activity that spans multiple jurisdictions and includes both domestic and foreign elements. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is currently handling the criminal cases, with Special Counsel Rita Peters leading the prosecution in the human trafficking case, while two additional trafficking cases remain under investigation.
The operation has also highlighted the persistent threat of human trafficking in Florida, which remains in the top three states in the nation for reported cases, alongside California and Texas. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Florida received over 1,830 signals in 2024, leading to the identification of 1,874 victims. Many of these victims are minors between the ages of 11 and 17, often lured through manipulation or online platforms. In response, Florida leaders have increased both legislative action and financial support for victims of trafficking. Governor Ron DeSantis recently allocated $4.9 million to expand emergency shelter beds and staff support for trafficking victims, alongside an additional $900,000 in grant funding for FDLE to bolster its efforts against human trafficking. The governor also emphasized the need for stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, highlighting Florida’s proactive approach to combating the issue.
State lawmakers have passed legislation to increase penalties for traffickers and mandate trafficking-awareness training for hotel workers, healthcare providers, and school staff. These measures aim to create a more vigilant environment where potential victims can be identified and protected before exploitation occurs. While the operation is a significant step in addressing the crisis of child sex trafficking, officials stress that the fight against such crimes is ongoing, with further actions and collaborations required to ensure the safety of children across the state and beyond.