Fact Check: "Operation DRAGON EYE deemed most successful missing child operation in USMS history."
What We Know
Operation DRAGON EYE was a two-week initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in June 2023, which resulted in the recovery or safe location of 60 "critically missing" children from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties in Florida. The operation involved a collaboration of multiple agencies and organizations, including local law enforcement and social service entities, and was aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities of children at risk of violence, exploitation, or other elevated risk factors (source-1, source-2).
The operation's success is underscored by the fact that it resulted in eight arrests on charges that included human trafficking and child endangerment. The children recovered ranged in age from 9 to 17, and the operation also provided them with essential services, including medical care and psychological support (source-3, source-6).
William Berger, the U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, stated that this operation is "the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service" (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Operation DRAGON EYE is the most successful missing child operation in USMS history is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from the U.S. Marshals Service. The operation's results—recovering 60 children and making eight arrests—are significant, particularly given the context of the challenges faced in locating and recovering missing children. The USMS has a dedicated Missing Child Unit, and since the enactment of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act in 2015, they have recovered over 3,967 missing children, indicating a robust operational framework (source-1, source-5).
The sources reporting on Operation DRAGON EYE, including local news outlets and national media, corroborate the USMS's claims regarding the operation's success. The involvement of multiple agencies and the provision of follow-up services to the recovered children further enhance the credibility of the operation's success (source-3, source-6).
However, it is important to note that while the USMS's statement is backed by their operational data, the term "most successful" can be subjective and may depend on various metrics of success, such as the number of children recovered or the nature of the cases involved.
Conclusion
The claim that "Operation DRAGON EYE deemed most successful missing child operation in USMS history" is True. The operation's results, including the recovery of 60 children and the arrest of eight individuals involved in child exploitation, are officially recognized by the U.S. Marshals Service as unprecedented in their history. The operation's comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of the recovered children further supports this designation.
Sources
- U.S. Marshals-led Missing Child Operation in Middle Florida Results in ...
- Operation Dragon Eye rescues 60 'critically missing' Florida children ...
- 'Operation Dragon-Eye': 60 'critically missing' children ... - WFLA
- US Marshals operation leads to recovery or location of 60 ...
- 60 missing Florida children rescued in Operation Dragon Eye | U.S.
