Video: 60 missing kids rescued in 'largest child rescue operation' in US history
Federal and state officials announced on Monday that 60 missing children were recently rescued in Florida as part of 'Operation Dragon Eye,' which has been described as the 'largest child rescue operation' in the history of the United States.
Announcing the results of Operation Dragon Eye during a press conference on Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, said, 'We are here to announce the most successful completion of the largest child rescue operation, not just in Florida history, but in the United States history.'
'Protecting our kids and keeping Florida the safest state to raise a family is our number one priority,' the Florida attorney general added. 'Today is a result of the hard work to deliver on that promise.'
According to First Coast News, Uthmeier confirmed on Monday that many of the children rescued as part of Operation Dragon Eye were in 'critical danger' and were at risk of human trafficking.
'Many of these kids have been through painful, disastrous situations,' Uthmeier stated. 'But at least today we've rescued them and we now can work towards recovery.'
READ MORE: 244 child sex predators arrested, 109 kids rescued in major FBI operation
U.S. Marshal William Berger also highlighted the historic results of Florida's Operation Dragon Eye during Monday's press conference. Berger explained that 60 juveniles, ages nine to 17, were rescued in just two weeks. Berger also confirmed that over 20 agencies and over 100 people were involved in the recent child rescue operation.
According to Berger, in addition to the 60 children rescued in Operation Dragon Eye, eight people were arrested by law enforcement officials. Berger explained that the individuals arrested currently face charges of human trafficking, drug trafficking, drug possession, and child endangerment. Berger added, 'When arrested, they were given bonds ranging from no bond to $250 million bond.'
🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: U.S. Marshals and Florida officials announce LARGEST single child rescue operation in American history.Over 2 weeks, 60 KIDS are safe, in custody.
This involved over 20 agencies and 100+ people. 8 people were arrested, charged with human trafficking, child… pic.twitter.com/trkcFMhtmX — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 23, 2025
In a Monday press release, Uthmeier wrote, 'The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission. 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.'
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