Operation Dragon-Eye: A Groundbreaking Mission Leads to Recovery of 60 Missing Children Across Florida
In what stands as the most impactful missing child recovery campaign in its history, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) orchestrated a large-scale, multi-agency initiative throughout several counties in Florida.
Known as Operation Dragon-Eye, this intensive two-week mission successfully located or safely recovered 60 critically missing children from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, highlighting an unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth.
The ambitious campaign brought together federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in a coordinated effort to not only find these at-risk minors but also to provide essential post-recovery care.
William Berger, the U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, emphasized the operation’s comprehensive approach: “What distinguished this effort was our dedication to the children’s well-being beyond rescue, offering physical, psychological, and social support tailored to their needs.”
The USMS defines “critically missing” youth as those facing heightened dangers such as abuse, exploitation, substance misuse, or unstable living environments. Operation Dragon-Eye prioritized connecting these young individuals to critical services and ensuring they were placed in secure, nurturing environments after recovery.
Deputy in Charge Mario Price described the mission as more than just a law enforcement operation—it was “a community-driven initiative.” He outlined the core goals as locating the missing children, providing them with immediate and long-term support, and disrupting networks that put minors at risk.
The operation also resulted in eight arrests of adults found unlawfully in custody of minors, some responsible for multiple children under troubling circumstances. Charges included child endangerment and possession offenses. Berger underscored the gravity of these findings: “These arrests shine a light on the ongoing threats that exploit our youth and the importance of relentless enforcement.”
Local agencies played a key role, with the St. Petersburg Police Department recovering 11 juveniles and apprehending two suspects, one facing serious charges. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercow praised the collaborative effort, stating, “Operation Dragon-Eye is a testament to the power of joint action in protecting our community’s most vulnerable.”
This unprecedented mission not only redefined standards in missing child recovery but also reinforced the critical nature of interagency cooperation and holistic care. As the recovered children continue to receive support, the operation serves as a powerful reminder that protecting at-risk youth requires vigilant teamwork and ongoing community engagement.