In what officials are calling the most impactful child recovery mission in its history, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has successfully located or rescued 60 critically missing children during a sweeping two-week initiative known as Operation Dragon-Eye.
Spanning Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties in Florida, the operation brought together a powerful coalition of federal, state, and local agencies in a unified effort to find and protect some of the state’s most vulnerable youth—children aged 9 to 17 who were facing high-risk situations, including violence, exploitation, and substance abuse.
“This wasn’t just about finding these children—it was about making sure they were truly safe,” said William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. “Each child was not only recovered but also received immediate physical and psychological support, with follow-up care to help ensure lasting protection.”
The term “critically missing,” as defined by USMS, refers to youth exposed to acute danger—those most likely to be victims of abuse, trafficking, or neglect. Operation Dragon-Eye prioritized not only locating these children but also ensuring they were connected with safe housing, medical evaluations, counseling, and protective services.
Mario Price, Deputy in Charge for the USMS, described the operation as a “community mission with national reach.” He noted the three pillars of the effort: recovery, support, and prevention. “Our aim wasn’t just to bring these kids back—it was to give them a foundation for hope,” Price said.
Eight individuals were arrested in connection with the operation, many facing serious charges including child endangerment and unlawful custody of minors. “It’s deeply disturbing that some of the suspects had more than one missing child in their care,” Marshal Berger stated.
The St. Petersburg Police Department played a key role, recovering 11 children and making two arrests—one involving a significant criminal charge. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercow praised the collaboration: “This operation shows what can happen when agencies come together for the sake of our most vulnerable. It’s a true testament to the power of teamwork in public safety.”
Operation Dragon-Eye stands as a bold reminder that behind every missing child is a life worth fighting for—and that with coordination, compassion, and persistence, it’s possible to turn tragedy into triumph.