In a remarkable display of efficiency and dedication, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) has successfully executed a mission that led to the recovery or safe location of 60 critically missing children in Florida.
This operation, known as Operation DRAGON EYE, was a two-week initiative focused on locating the most vulnerable missing youth, marking a significant achievement in the history of the USMS.
As reported by One America News, the USMS Middle District of Florida spearheaded this operation, which they have hailed as "the most successful missing child operation in USMS history."
The operation's objectives were clear: to recover critically missing youth, ensure they receive essential services, and deter those who exploit the vulnerabilities of missing children. The operation resulted in eight arrests, with charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference.
The success of Operation DRAGON EYE was attributed to a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary task force. This task force comprised federal, state, and local government agencies, alongside social service entities, the medical community, and non-governmental organizations.
William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, expressed his cautious enthusiasm, stating, "I have to curtail my enthusiasm because of the sensitivity of the victims involved in this operation, but the successful recovery of 60 missing children, complemented with the arrest of eight individuals, including child predators, signifies the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service; or to my knowledge, any other similar operation held in the United States."
The operation's unique approach involved not only recovering children aged 9 to 17 but also providing them with necessary physical and psychological care. This comprehensive strategy included follow-up assistance to prevent these youths from returning to the streets and facing further victimization.
The USMS defines "critically missing" children as those at risk of violent crimes or with elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
Recovered children received medical care, food, social services, and child advocacy, ensuring their immediate needs were met. This operation underscores the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing the complex issue of missing children and highlights the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
Login