A shocking human trafficking operation has been uncovered in Florida, leading to the rescue of 60 children and the arrest of eight suspects in what officials are calling a historic breakthrough in combating child exploitation.

According to the Daily Mail, the children, ranging from ages 9 to 17, were rescued from the Tampa Bay area in an operation spearheaded by the US Marshals Office for the Middle District of Florida. Several of the young victims were found to be pregnant, with at least one carrying the child of her alleged trafficker.

The two-week operation, dubbed "Dragon Eye," involved coordination between twenty different law enforcement agencies working to locate and rescue children deemed "critically missing." These victims were considered at high risk of violence, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and domestic abuse according to US Marshal Service criteria.

Eight Suspects Face Multiple Serious Charges

Five men, two women, and one unidentified individual were taken into custody following the operation. The suspects face an array of charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the gravity of these crimes during Monday's announcement, stating that protecting children remains his top priority. The state's Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the criminal proceedings against the defendants.

Special Counsel Rita Peters has been assigned to lead the prosecution of the human trafficking cases, with two additional related investigations still ongoing. The cases will be tried across Florida's Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits.

Victims Receive Critical Support Services

Natasha Nascimento, president of Redefining Refuge, revealed heartbreaking details about the conditions some victims endured. Her non-profit organization is now providing support services to the rescued children.

William Berger, US Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, praised Operation Dragon Eye as the most successful missing child recovery effort in US Marshals Service history. He confirmed that the rescued youth are receiving both physical and psychological care.

The operation included provisions for follow-up assistance aimed at preventing the victims from returning to dangerous situations on the streets. Multiple agencies remain committed to the children's ongoing protection and rehabilitation.

Florida's Growing Human Trafficking Crisis

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) played a crucial role in the operation, with Commissioner Mark Glass vowing to continue pursuing traffickers. He emphasized that Florida will never be a safe haven for those who exploit children.

Florida ranks among the states with the highest reported trafficking cases, alongside California and Texas. The National Human Trafficking Hotline recorded over 1,830 trafficking-related calls from Florida in 2024, identifying nearly 1,900 victims.

The Florida Department of Children and Families reports that most trafficking victims are between 11 and 17 years old. Criminals frequently target potential victims through online platforms, highlighting the need for increased digital safety awareness.

Law Enforcement Remains Vigilant

The success of Operation Dragon Eye represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against child trafficking. However, authorities stress that their work continues as more cases emerge.

These rescues demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in combating human trafficking. The US Marshals Service, Florida law enforcement, and support organizations remain committed to finding and protecting vulnerable children.

With multiple investigations still active and additional trafficking networks potentially operating in the region, law enforcement officials emphasize their dedication to pursuing justice for victims while working to prevent future exploitation.