This week in Florida, something really important happened. Sixty children were rescued from dangerous situations. Some of them were in homes or with people who were hurting them or using them for bad things. Police and other helpers worked very hard to find and save them. Now those kids are safe.
The big rescue happened in places like Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. Police officers, social workers, and special investigators all worked together. They called it “Operation Dragon Eye.”
Who Helped the Kids?
Lots of people came together to help. There were police officers from Florida and the U.S. Marshals Service. They also had help from people who take care of kids, like child protection workers and counselors. Everyone worked as a team for two weeks to find the missing kids.
Some of these children were just 9 years old. Most were teenagers. Some were in bad situations because of other people trying to hurt or use them. A few were already in trouble, and this rescue gave them a second chance.
What Happened to the Kids After They Were Found?
After the kids were found, they were taken to safe places. Nurses checked them to make sure they were okay. Some needed medical care, and others needed help talking about what they went through.
People who work with children made sure they had food, clothes, and a safe place to stay. Some children even got to go back to their families if it was safe for them to return. Others were given special homes or counselors to help them heal.
One of the workers said, “This could be the day their life starts to change for the better.”
Were the Bad People Caught?
Yes. So far, eight adults were arrested. Police said they did very bad things like hurting kids, hiding them, or selling drugs. One person got a bond set at $250 million—that’s how serious it is.
Florida’s police leader said, “This sends a big message. If you hurt kids, Florida is not a safe place for you.”
Why This Is Such a Big Deal
This is the biggest child rescue ever done by U.S. Marshals. Everyone who helped said it was one of the most important things they’ve ever done. The kids were called “critically missing,” which means they were in real danger and needed help fast.
One of the leaders said, “This is why we do our jobs—to help these kids get a better life.”
The rescue team worked with local police, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and many others to share tips and information. That’s how they found so many kids in just two weeks.
What Happens Next?
The kids are now in safe places and getting the help they need. They will have people checking on them, helping them stay safe, and making sure they don’t end up back in trouble.
Police are still looking into the bad people involved. More arrests could happen soon.
The helpers hope that other missing kids will be found too—and that more people will speak up when they see something wrong.
