60 missing, trafficked kids recovered in 'largest child rescue operation in US history': Florida officials

The US Marshals and Florida officials were able to find 60 missing children during "Operation Dragon Eye," which the US Marshals Service called the "largest" child rescue operation in the history of the United States.

“We are here to announce the most successful completion of the largest child rescue operation, not just in Florida history, but in the United States history,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced during a press conference, per First Coast News.

"Protecting our kids and keeping Florida the safest state to raise a family is our number one priority," Uthmeier added. "Today is a result of the hard work to deliver on that promise."

The operation focused on finding those children who were missing, victims of human trafficking, or endangered in the Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties of Florida. 

Also addressing the reporters at the press conference was US Marshal William Berger, who added that "60 juveniles were covered in two weeks, ranging from age nine to 17 years of age," and that it was the largest child rescue operation in the history of the US. 

Berger said that 20 agencies, as well as over 100 people,e were involved in the operation that rescued the 60 children, and that during the operation he emphasized that the offenders be arrested, because "experience tells us, if the offenders are not apprehended, they will reconnect with these children."

"Behind me, you will see the pictures of eight persons who were arrested and charged with crimes ranging from human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession and trafficking. When arrested, they were given bonds ranging from no bond to $250 million bond," Berger added, pointing to photos of those who had committed the crimes against the children.