Fact Check: 60 children have just been located and rescued from a human trafficker in Florida by ICE

Fact Check: "60 children have just been located and rescued from a human trafficker in Florida by ICE"

What We Know

In June 2025, a significant operation known as Operation Dragon Eye was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Florida, resulting in the recovery of 60 critically missing children. This operation involved collaboration among various agencies, including local law enforcement and social service organizations. The children recovered ranged in age from 9 to 17 years and were primarily from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. The operation's objectives included not only the recovery of these children but also providing them with essential services and deterring potential exploiters (source-3, source-4).

The operation led to eight arrests, with charges that included human trafficking, child endangerment, and narcotics possession (source-5, source-6). The U.S. Marshals defined "critically missing" children as those at high risk of violence or exploitation, which underscores the serious nature of the operation (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "60 children have just been located and rescued from a human trafficker in Florida by ICE" is partially true. While it is accurate that 60 children were recovered during Operation Dragon Eye, the operation was not conducted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) but rather by the U.S. Marshals Service. This distinction is crucial because it reflects the specific agencies involved in the operation and their respective roles in child recovery efforts.

The U.S. Marshals Service has a dedicated Missing Child Unit that has been active in recovering missing children since the enactment of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which granted them enhanced authority to assist in such cases (source-1). The operation's success has been highlighted by officials, including U.S. Marshal William Berger, who noted it as the most successful missing child recovery effort in the agency's history (source-3).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, coming from official statements and reputable news outlets. However, the initial claim's attribution to ICE misrepresents the agencies involved, which could lead to misinformation regarding the roles of law enforcement in child trafficking cases.

Conclusion

The verdict is Partially True. While it is correct that 60 children were rescued from a human trafficking situation in Florida, the claim inaccurately attributes the operation to ICE instead of the U.S. Marshals Service. This misattribution is significant as it affects the understanding of the agencies responsible for child recovery and trafficking prevention efforts.

Sources

1. U.S. Marshals-led Missing Child Operation in Middle ...
2. Over 60 children recovered by authorities in Florida
3. Florida's Operation Dragon Eye rescues 60 children in ...
4. US Marshals operation leads to recovery or location of 60 ...
5. 60 'critically missing' children rescued, 8 people arrested
6. 60 children saved in Florida's largest rescue operation
7. 60 'critically missing' children rescued, 8 people arrested
8. 60 'critically missing' children rescued, 8 people arrested