Tampa, FL – Monday, November, 17 – The United States Marshals Service (USMS) coordinated a two-week multi-agency operation in Central Florida, resulting in the recovery or safe location of 122 missing or endangered children.
The operation, named Operation Home for the Holidays, involved federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners. Children were located or recovered in the following metropolitan areas:
- Tampa Bay: 57
- Fort Myers: 29
- Jacksonville: 22
- Orlando: 14
The initiative built on practices from the 2025 USMS Operation Dragon Eye and focused on immediate provision of child welfare services. Services were provided to recovered youth as follows:
- Health Care Services: 66 children
- Department of Children and Families: 41 children
- Department of Juvenile Justice: 29 children
Children located ranged in age from 23 months to 17 years and were found in Florida and nine other U.S. states. One child was located in Mexico, with U.S. and Mexican authorities coordinating care.
Specific services provided during the operation included:
- Prenatal care for a pregnant minor receiving it for the first time
- Initial substance dependency care and treatment evaluation for two brothers
- Relocation and secure placement for a young woman who reported safety concerns
- Services addressing alleged abuse for a young man with prior juvenile justice involvement
Some recovered children disclosed experiences of abuse or proximity to criminal activity. The operation led to six felony arrests on charges including child neglect, custodial interference, narcotics possession, sexual assault, terroristic threats, and endangerment. Additional criminal investigations are ongoing, with more felony arrests expected. The operation concluded in November 2025. Nothing further at this time.
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