A successful operation to rescue 60 minors was carried out in Florida under the leadership of the United States Marshals Service.

As a result of the investigative work carried out for two weeks in the area In Tampa Bay, 60 critically missing children were located. Additionally, eight defendants were arrested, including one on human trafficking charges. Dubbed “Operation Dragon Eye,” it was one of the largest rescue operations in the United States, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “If you victimize children, you're going to go to prison, end of story,” Uthmeier added at a press conference. US Marshal William Berger of the Middle District of Florida stated, "What was unique about this operation was that the critically missing children, between the ages of 9 and 17, were not only recovered, but also received information and physical and psychological care. This operation also included follow-up assistance in the hopes that these young people will not return to the streets to become victims of further violence." According to Telemundo Tampa, “critically missing” children are those at risk for violent crime or have other risk factors. high, such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, exposure to crime or domestic violence.

“Sixty children saved, that number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers,” warned Mak Glass, commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The US Marshals Service coordinated with several federal, state and local agencies, as well as social service entities and non-governmental organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.