On Monday, officials announced that numerous children have been rescued from child sex trafficking operations in Florida. The initiative, dubbed Operation Dragon Eye, was spearheaded by the former U.S. S-S Bureau in the Central District of Florida, with support from State Attorney General James Usmierer’s Statewide Office of Prosecutors (OSP).
This coordinated effort saw the involvement of 20 agencies, focusing on locating 60 critically missing children and making arrests related to human trafficking, drugs, and child safety risks. Uthmeier emphasized the role of law enforcement in this mission. He stated, “As your Attorney General and a father of three, I prioritize the protection of your children. Anyone who exploits a child will face severe consequences.”
The children found during this operation were aged between 9 and 17, many previously classified as missing and at risk of exploitation. The U.S. S-service characterizes “critically missing” children as those facing potential violent crime or having specific vulnerabilities, like substance abuse or domestic violence.
This operation shed light on the troubling realities of sex trafficking. Authorities noted that while many children were rescued, they received immediate medical evaluations and psychological support, with plans for long-term care set in motion.
A unique aspect of this mission was the provision of care to critically missing minors. William Berger’s ex noted, “This operation not only recovered a child but also addressed their immediate physical and psychological needs.” Alongside recovery, follow-up support aims to prevent these youths from returning to vulnerable situations.
Mark Glass, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), reassured worried parents that the search would continue. He stated, “Sixty children have been saved, sending a strong message that Florida won’t be a safe haven for human traffickers. We won’t stop until every child is safe.”
During this operation, eight arrests were made, involving various charges such as human trafficking and drug offenses. Authorities indicated that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges might arise.
The statewide prosecutor’s office is managing criminal cases with assistance from state attorneys. Special Advisor Rita Peters has been appointed to handle the human trafficking case, and two other related cases are actively under investigation.
Florida remains one of the top three states in the U.S. for reported trafficking incidents, alongside California and Texas. In 2024, the state received over 1,830 reports, identifying 1,874 victims, with many being minors aged 11 to 17, often lured through manipulation or online platforms.
In response to these issues, Florida leaders have stepped up funding and legislative measures. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis allocated $4.9 million to boost emergency shelters and support services for trafficking victims.
DeSantis has previously stated that Florida is committed to combating human trafficking, emphasizing the connection between open borders and trafficking-related criminal activities. State lawmakers have also increased penalties for traffickers and implemented training requirements for hotel staff, healthcare providers, and school personnel to better identify and report trafficking.
