OPERATION DRAGON EYE

Florida Rescues Dozens of Children from Sex Trafficking 

In a significant blow to child sex trafficking networks, Florida authorities announced the rescue of 60 critically missing children in a coordinated effort named Operation Dragon Eye. The operation, led by the U.S. Marshals Service for the Central District of Florida and supported by Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP), involved 20 agencies working together to recover vulnerable minors and apprehend suspects linked to trafficking, drugs, and child endangerment.

A Vital Rescue Mission

The children, aged 9 to 17, were classified as "critically missing" by the U.S. Marshals Service, meaning they faced heightened risks of violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, or exposure to criminal environments. The operation uncovered harrowing realities, including several young girls who were pregnant, one carrying the child of her trafficker.

"The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission," Uthmeier said in a statement. "As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority. If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story."

Each rescued child received immediate medical evaluations and psychological support, with long-term care plans initiated. "The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care," said U.S. Marshal William Berger. "This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youths will not return back to the streets to be further victimised."

Florida’s Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking

Florida ranks among the top three states for human trafficking cases, alongside California and Texas, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2024, Florida recorded over 1,830 trafficking-related signals, identifying 1,874 victims, many of whom were minors aged 11 to 17, often manipulated through online platforms. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has highlighted the vulnerability of these young victims.

Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritised combatting this crisis, allocating $4.9 million (£3.9 million) to expand emergency shelter beds and staff support for trafficking victims, alongside $900,000 (£720,000) in grants to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). "Florida is being proactive about stopping human trafficking," DeSantis stated. "Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognise and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida."

State lawmakers have also introduced tougher penalties for traffickers and mandatory trafficking-awareness training for hotel workers, healthcare providers, and school staff.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

Operation Dragon Eye resulted in eight arrests, with suspects facing charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking. The OSP, supported by state attorneys in the Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits, is handling the prosecutions, with Special Counsel Rita Peters leading the human trafficking cases. Authorities have indicated that further charges may be filed as investigations continue.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass reaffirmed the state’s commitment: "Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers. At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely."

Democrat Silence and Disturbing Connections

While Florida’s Republican-led government has taken decisive action, the Democrat Party has remained conspicuously silent on the issue of child sex trafficking. This lack of vocal leadership stands in stark contrast to the proactive measures taken by state officials. The absence of statements from prominent Democrats condemning these atrocities or outlining concrete plans to address them raises questions about their priorities.

Moreover, recent reports have highlighted troubling cases involving individuals with connections to the Democrat Party. In 2023, a former Democrat mayor of College Park, Maryland, Patrick Wojahn, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to 140 counts related to child pornography. Wojahn, who had ties to Democrat figures and was mentored by Pete Buttigieg, was found to have distributed explicit material involving minors. Similarly, in 2021, a Democrat donor and activist in Oregon was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material, underscoring a pattern that has gone largely unaddressed by party leadership.

A Call for Accountability

Operation Dragon Eye represents a critical step in protecting vulnerable children, but the fight is far from over. Florida’s efforts, backed by robust funding and legislation, set a model for other states. However, the silence from Democrats on this pressing issue is deafening. As trafficking networks continue to exploit children, all leaders—regardless of party—must unite in condemning these crimes and supporting survivors. The public deserves transparency and action, not selective outrage or inaction.

For more information on Florida’s anti-trafficking initiatives, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. To support victims, consider donating to organisations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.