A major statewide recovery operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service has resulted in the safe rescue of 122 children across Florida.
The operation, known as “Operation Home for the Holidays,” was described by Attorney General James Uthmeier as one of the largest child-recovery efforts in U.S. history during a press conference held on Monday.
The two-week initiative involved a coordinated, multiagency task force and targeted vulnerable youth across several metropolitan areas, including Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers.
Personnel from federal, state and local law enforcement—as well as child protective services agencies—worked together to identify and recover children reportedly exposed to abuse, neglect, exploitation or other forms of criminal activity, according to Just the News.
In total, authorities reported the following breakdown of recoveries: 57 children were rescued from the Tampa Bay area, 14 from Orlando, 22 from Jacksonville and 29 from Fort Myers.
The ages of the children recovered ranged from 23 months to 17 years old, with many described by authorities as having experienced varying levels of abuse and neglect.
Uthmeier delivered a warning to individuals who target children.
“By now you should know if you come into Florida and you want to lay a finger on our kids, if you want to prey upon them, if you want to groom them, if you want to abuse them, everybody up here is coming for you with everything we’ve got,” he said. “We’re going to lock you up for as long as possible. Where eligible for child sex battery, we will indeed seek the death penalty.”
The U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, Bill Berger, noted the operation was “built on the wants and needs of our communities.”
“We are honored to play a leading role in answering those calls,” he said.
Berger emphasized the collaboration between investigative and child welfare teams, stating that the task force used real-time intelligence, field operations and rapid coordination with child-focused services.
Once children were located, agencies provided immediate access to victim advocates, child welfare specialists and legal services.
So far, authorities have made six felony arrests in connection with the operation, with additional charges expected.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution is pursuing multiple felony cases stemming from the effort, including crimes involving sexual battery on a child and custodial interference.
Investigations remain ongoing.
The operation followed another major recovery, “Operation Dragon Eye,” which took place in June in the Tampa Bay region and resulted in the rescue of over 60 missing children, as previously highlighted by Resist the Mainstream.
In that operation, 20 agencies participated, and the AG’s office provided legal counsel.
During Monday’s event, press releases from agencies such as FBI Jacksonville affirmed their participation and praised the success of state, federal and local partnerships in safeguarding children.
FBI officials stated, “Protecting our children is at the core of the FBI’s mission. This Operation represents the very best of what can be accomplished when state, local, and federal partners come together with a shared commitment.”
The success of Operation Home for the Holidays highlights the impact of coordinated, multiagency efforts in protecting vulnerable children.
With 122 young lives rescued and multiple felony arrests already made, authorities signal a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation.
Officials emphasized that ongoing investigations will continue to hold perpetrators accountable, while community partnerships remain vital in safeguarding children across Florida.
The operation serves as a clear warning: those who prey on children will face swift and uncompromising justice.
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