A two-week operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service successfully located and rescued 122 minors in Florida. Reported as missing, they had been victims of exploitation, mistreatment, and abuse.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of the state rescue operation, named “Operation Home for the Holidays.” It was described as historic and was led by the U.S. Marshals Service.
“Historic Child Rescue Operation”
One of the largest child rescue operations was carried out over two weeks in several cities across the state, where they were able to recover children and adolescents aged between 2 and 17.
“Thanks to one of the largest child rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are now safe,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier at a press conference.
“This operation highlights the effectiveness and diligence of Florida’s law enforcement. I am deeply grateful to everyone who made the overwhelming success of Operation Home for the Holidays possible. Many of these children have suffered indescribable abuse.
We Will Bring Their Abusers to Justice with the Full Force of the Law
The multidisciplinary team proactively located vulnerable youth across Central Florida, including 57 children in the Tampa Bay area, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville, and 29 in Fort Myers. The operation also rescued minors in nine other states. The children had suffered various degrees of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activities.
“The U.S. Marshals Service is proud to collaborate with our partners across the state of Florida to ensure the safety and well-being of our children,” stated Bill Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida.
“This operation was created based on the needs and desires of our communities. We are honored to play a key role in responding to those demands,” he said at the press conference.
“This Operation Reflects the Power of Strong Partnerships”
Operation Home for the Holidays was designed with a special emphasis on rapid access to child services. The investigation used real-time intelligence and field operations to locate missing children. Victim advocates and child welfare specialists coordinated with law enforcement to provide immediate resources to the rescued children.
“This operation reflects the power of strong partnerships and the shared commitment, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, to protect Florida’s children,” stated FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard.
He added: “By gathering crucial information, following every lead, and working together with our federal, state, and local partners, we achieved a unified mission and obtained significant results: 122 children and youth are now safe, which is a victory for our entire state.”
Pornography, Prostitution, and Drug Trafficking
The Attorney General’s Office of State Prosecution is handling multiple serious crime cases stemming from the operation, including offenses related to child sexual abuse and custody interference.
“Operation Home for the Holidays is proof of what we can achieve when we unite with urgency and a common purpose to rescue Florida’s most vulnerable children,” stated Taylor N. Hatch, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
The rescued children were placed in state custody and connected with recovery services, authorities said. Some cases were linked to operations involving pornography, prostitution, and drug trafficking.
During the operation, six individuals were arrested, and more suspects are expected. “Those arrested will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Uthmeier emphasized.
Image: DiarioNY
