The US Marshals Service (USMS), along with other agencies, conducted Operation Northern Lights to locate children reported missing, resulting in the recovery of 43 children in 14 counties in northern Florida.

The operation included a comprehensive and multidisciplinary task force of federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as social services, the medical community, and non-governmental organizations, it was reported USMS in a statement.

The operation lasted two weeks

“Operational planning and coordination led to the execution of a two-week initiative aimed at safely recovering or locating critically missing youth,” they stated.

“The US Marshals Service defines critically missing youth as those at risk of violent crimes or with other elevated risk factors, such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, exposure to crime, or domestic violence,” they added.

Authorities explained that an initiative of this magnitude “This operation had three main objectives: to recover critically missing youth, to provide them with essential services, including appropriate placement, and to deter the criminal activity related to the exploitation of the vulnerabilities of missing children.”

In addition to recovering the children, nine people were also arrested, some of whom could be charged with human trafficking, child endangerment, and interference with custody.

During this operation, children were recovered from northern Florida, as well as from other states, including Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Successful Operation in Florida

“This was the most successful operation ever conducted in North Florida to find a missing child. Thanks to the tireless dedication of US Marshals and our law enforcement partners, 43 children in danger will now be safe and sound at home for the holidays,” said Greg Leljedal, Acting US Marshal for the Northern District of Florida.

“The recovered children ranged in age from 18 months to 17 years old. This operation focused not only on finding them, but also on providing them with immediate physical and psychological care to help them begin their journey to healing,” Leljedal added.

Nicholas G. Ingegno, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, stated that “the recovery of more than 40 missing children reflects the unwavering commitment and teamwork of law enforcement.”

The recovered children received medical resources, food, social services, and advocates Childhood. Child welfare and social services partners of Operation Northern Lights said they were pleased with the operation's achievements.