Attorney General James Uthmeier announces the successful rescue of 122 missing children across Florida and other states

Tampa, Florida – A statewide child–recovery mission that stretched across Florida and into nearly a dozen other states has resulted in the safe recovery of 122 missing children, marking one of the most significant rescue efforts ever carried out in the United States. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of the massive operation on Thursday, detailing what officials are calling an unprecedented, coordinated push to locate endangered and vulnerable youth before the holiday season.

The initiative, known as Operation Home for the Holidays, unfolded over a two-week period and brought together federal, state, and local agencies in an intense search effort focused on children who had been reported missing, exploited, or at risk. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service and supported by Florida law enforcement agencies, the operation targeted several regions across the state—including Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers—while investigative leads extended across nine other states.

Officials say the scope of the operation surpassed even that of Operation Dragon Eye, an earlier child-recovery mission widely recognized for its scale. This latest initiative, however, set a new benchmark.

“Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This operation highlights the strength and diligence of Florida’s Law Enforcement. I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways. We will prosecute their abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”

Focused Search Across Multiple Regions

Authorities reported that children ranged from toddlers as young as 23 months to teenagers up to 17 years old. Each case brought its own level of urgency, and many of the children were found to have experienced troubling situations involving abuse, abandonment, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal behaviors.

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In Central Florida alone, investigators located 57 missing children in the Tampa Bay area, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville, and 29 in Fort Myers. Several cases led officers beyond Florida’s borders, where additional children were found in states that were not disclosed but confirmed to be part of the multi-state search effort.

Officials emphasized that the operation was built on a strategy of rapid response and real-time intelligence gathering. A dedicated team analyzed data, reviewed ongoing cases, and pursued fresh leads while working side-by-side with victim advocates, case managers, and child-welfare specialists. The goal, they said, was not only to locate the children quickly but to ensure that once found, they had direct access to support services.

Federal and State Partnerships Drive Success

Leaders from partner agencies expressed gratitude for the unified approach and highlighted how coordination across departments strengthened the investigation.

“The United States Marshals Service is proud to stand with our partners across the state of Florida in pursuit of the safety and welfare of our children,” said United States Marshal for the Middle District of Florida Bill Berger. “This operation was built based upon the wants and needs of our communities. We are honored to play a leading role in answering those calls.”

State officials echoed similar sentiments, noting that Operation Home for the Holidays represented not only a technical success but a moral responsibility shared within the public-safety community.

“This operation reflects the power of strong partnerships and a shared commitment under Governor DeSantis’ leadership to protect Florida’s children,” said FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard. “By gathering critical intelligence, pursuing every lead, and working together with our federal, state, and local partners, we achieved a unified mission and delivered meaningful results—122 children and youth are now safe, and that is a victory for our entire state.”

Taylor N. Hatch, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, emphasized the importance of collaboration in reaching so many at-risk youth. “Operation Home for the Holidays is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with urgency and shared purpose to recover Florida’s most vulnerable children,” Hatch said.

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The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice also played a key role in locating youth with prior or ongoing court involvement. Secretary Matthew J. Walsh underscored the department’s commitment, saying, “Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, DJJ is proud to support the recovery of critically missing and endangered youth through Operation Home for the Holidays.”

Legal Action Already Underway

As the children were safely recovered and connected with support teams, the investigative work transitioned into legal action. Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is currently handling multiple felony cases linked to the operation, including serious allegations such as custodial interference and crimes related to sexual offenses against minors. Authorities say more charges are expected as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding each recovery.

Law enforcement officials noted that not all cases involved criminal conduct, but for those that did, swift prosecution remains a priority. Six felony arrests have already been made, and officials believe additional charges will follow as evidence is processed and interviews are conducted.

A Mission Focused on Safety and Healing

Operation Home for the Holidays also placed heavy emphasis on after-care. Once each child was located, specialists worked quickly to document their needs and determine what services or interventions were required. Some were reunited with caregivers, others entered protective environments, and several were referred to ongoing social-service programs to address trauma, medical concerns, or long-term safety planning.

Though the operation formally concludes with the announcement of the results, law enforcement agencies say the work will continue. Many of the children will require extended support, and several investigations linked to their cases will remain active for months.

But for now, officials across Florida are calling the operation a victory—one that brought relief to families, renewed momentum to public-safety efforts, and, most importantly, delivered 122 children out of danger.