In the most successful child recovery effort in its history, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) led Operation Dragon-Eye, a two-week mission that located or rescued over 60 critically missing children across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties in Florida.
The operation brought together federal, state, and local agencies in an unprecedented joint effort. According to the USMS, the children—aged 9 to 17—were not only found but received immediate physical and psychological care, along with follow-up support to prevent re-victimization.
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“The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children… were debriefed and provided with care,” said William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida.
“Critically missing” refers to minors at high risk of harm—whether from violence, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, or domestic instability.
U.S. Marshals Service Deputy in Charge Mario Price emphasized that Operation Dragon-Eye went beyond law enforcement—it was a community initiative with three goals:
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Recover missing children
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Provide services and safe placements
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Deter criminals who prey on vulnerable youth
Among those rescued, many were victims of trafficking, officials revealed. Authorities arrested eight individuals facing charges including:
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Human trafficking
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Child endangerment
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Drug possession
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Custodial interference
“The majority were being trafficked… Some offenders had multiple children working for them,” said U.S. Marshal William Berger. “They knew these children were underage.”
Most offenders were in their 30s or 40s, while their victims were as young as 9 years old.
The St. Petersburg Police Department found 11 missing juveniles, arresting two suspects, including one on human trafficking charges. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw praised the coordinated action:
“These arrests and recoveries serve as a reminder of the Tampa Police Department’s commitment to fight to protect our most vulnerable.”
Operation Dragon-Eye stands as a historic reminder of what’s possible through inter-agency cooperation and a shared commitment to saving children from danger.
