The initiative “Operation Statewide Shield,” the largest in the state’s history, involved international agencies and led to the capture of alleged offenders.
TAMPA, Florida. — In one of the most extensive coordinated raids in recent times, Florida state authorities announced the rescue and recovery of 163 minors, ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years, during a five-day operation called Operation Statewide Shield.
The operation involved the collaboration of local, federal, and law enforcement agencies from over a dozen countries to locate children reported missing, victims of neglect, or exposed to human trafficking and sexual exploitation networks.
Reach within and beyond borders
The investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) focused efforts on the state’s major metropolitan areas and extended to other territories:
- In Florida: Rescues were carried out in Tampa (46), Miami (41), Jacksonville (32), Orlando (21), Fort Myers (12), Pensacola (8), and Tallahassee.
- In other U.S. states and territories: Minors were located in Alabama, California, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.
- Internationally: Coordination with foreign authorities allowed intervention in cases in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Spain, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, and Taiwan.
Statements from authorities
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier highlighted the state’s commitment during a joint press conference held in Tampa:
“Many of these children had been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable. Thanks to the joint efforts of our law enforcement and local partners, these minors are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, pursuing every predator, and applying the full weight of the law.”
For his part, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized that this effort reaffirms the power of interagency cooperation to achieve a single goal: “to find our children and bring them home.”
Arrests and victim care
During the operation, multiple arrests were made of suspects linked to serious crimes against minors, including charges for lewd acts, aggravated assault, and unlawful interference with child custody. Authorities confirmed that investigations remain open, and further arrests are expected in the coming weeks.
After being rescued, the minors were taken to care centers where they received immediate medical attention, psychological evaluation, and support from victim advocates and the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Depending on each case, the children were either reunited with their families or placed in protective custody.
