The United States Marshals Service (USMS) recently led one of its most successful missing child recovery efforts ever with a multi-agency operation across several Florida counties. Dubbed Operation Dragon-Eye, the initiative resulted in the safe recovery or discovery of 60 critically missing children in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
This two-week mission was a coordinated effort involving the USMS alongside federal, state, and local partners. William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, highlighted that what set this operation apart was the comprehensive care provided to the children. “What made this operation stand out was that critically missing youth, aged 9 to 17, were not only found but also received thorough debriefings along with physical and mental health support,” Berger explained. “Follow-up services were arranged to ensure their ongoing protection.”
The USMS classifies “critically missing” minors as those at heightened risk due to factors like exposure to violence, exploitation, substance abuse, or unsafe living conditions. Operation Dragon-Eye’s focus extended beyond recovery, prioritizing access to care and safe placements for these vulnerable children.
Deputy in Charge Mario Price described the operation as more than a Marshals-led mission—it was a community-wide effort. He outlined three main objectives: locating critically missing children, providing essential support services, and preventing future harm by identifying potential predators targeting at-risk youth
