The operation, which took place in the Tampa Bay Area, led to the arrest of eight defendants, including one on charges of human trafficking, according to a news release from Uthmeier’s office.

Officials are calling the effort the largest child recovery mission in U.S. history. Florida's Attorney General said many of the children were trafficking victims.

A two-week investigation called "Operation Dragon Eye," involving the U.S. Marshals Service and 20 other agencies, rescued 60 missing children.

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — In a significant child rescue operation named "Operation Dragon Eye", 60 children were saved from dangerous situations across Florida.

Local ‘Operation Dragon Eye’: 60 missing children rescued in Tampa Bay area, Florida Attorney General says By ActionNewsJax.com News Staff June 24, 2025 at 6:54 pm EDT + Caption ...

Operation Dragon-Eye was a two-week initiative designed to recover or safely locate the most critically missing youth across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, USMS said.

Operation Dragon Eye was a two-week initiative designed to recover or safely locate the most critically missing youth across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, USMS said.

A massive investigation into child sex trafficking resulted in the rescue of 60 "critically missing" children in the Tampa Bay area, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced with other ...