60 children rescued in Florida are in Dragon Eye’s Bust Operation
newYou can listen to Fox’s news articles!
Dozens of children were rescued in the blow Sex Trafficking of Children The Florida business, authorities announced Monday.
The initiative, called Dragon Eye Operation, was led by a former US office in the Central District of Florida and supported by the state. Attorney General James Usmiers Statewide Office of Prosecutors (OSP).
The effort involved 20 agencies working in tandem to spot 60 critically missing children and arrest suspects related to human trafficking, drugs and child danger.
“The real hero behind this operation is the law enforcement agency that built and executed this mission,” Uthmeier said in the release. “As your Attorney General and the father of three young children, protecting your child is my number one priority. If you’re going to sacrifice your child, you’ll go to prison, the end of the story.”
Florida Attorney General James Usmier said Operation Dragon Eye led to eight arrests and further investigation into human trafficking continued. (Attorney General James Usmier/x)
Officials said the children recovered ranged from 9 to 17 years old, many of whom are missing and at risk of being exploited. The former US s-service defines “critical missing” children as “people at risk of violent crime or those with an increased risk factor such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, criminal exposure, and domestic violence.”
This operation revealed the gut-damaging reality of sex trafficking.
Authorities stressed that although the operation did not end with rescue, each child received immediate medical evaluation and psychological support, long-term care protocols began to move.
“The unique part of this operation was the fact that he was unmarried. Critically missing children “Not only did they recover, they were provided with physical and psychological care, and physical and psychological care,” said former US William Berger.
Statistics from the office of Florida Attorney General James Usmier after Operation Dragon Eye.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played a central role in its operations. Commissioner Mark Glass assured the parents of the missing child that the department would “not stop the search.”
“Sixty children have been saved, and those numbers send a message that Florida will never be a safe place for human traffickers,” Glass said. “In FDLE, we continue to fight for those who can’t fight for ourselves, and we won’t stop the search until we make sure they’re safe to go home, even if we don’t have children yet.”
Patel and Bondi announce 205 people arrested for FBI child sex operations
Eight individuals were arrested during the surgery, the agency said. They face a variety of charges, including human trafficking, child risk, drug possession, drug trafficking, and more. Authorities say An investigation is underwayand additional charges may persist.
The statewide prosecutor’s office handles criminal cases with support from the state attorneys of the sixth and 13th judicial circuits. Special Advisor Rita Peters has been appointed to lead the prosecutor in a human trafficking case, but two additional human trafficking cases are under investigation.
The former US s and local law enforcement agencies worked together on operator Dragon Eye. (US Originals via FOX 13)
Sex trafficking continues to pose a permanent threat in Florida, with states among the nation’s top three for reported trafficking cases, along with California and Texas. National Trafficking Hotline.
According to the agency, in 2024 alone, Florida received more than 1,830 signals, with 1,874 victims identified. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has found that many victims are minors between the ages of 11 and 17, often being seduced by manipulation or online platforms.
In response, Florida leaders strengthened both their funding and legislative efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis Recently assigned $4.9 million to expand emergency shelter beds and staff support for human trafficking victims.
clock:
Click here to get the Fox News app
“Florida is actively working to stop human trafficking.” DeSantis I said it before. “Our Open Southern borders lead to criminal activities like human trafficking, but states can fight with stronger penalties and increased training for paramedics to recognize and respond to human trafficking.
State lawmakers also passed a law that increased penalties for traffickers and required hotel workers, health care providers and school staff to request trafficking.
Fox News Digital has contacted Uthmeier’s office for comments.