Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

FBI and U.S. Marshals Rescue 122 Missing and Exploited Children Across 10 States in Major Multi-Agency Operation

In one of the largest child recovery missions in recent U.S. history, federal and state authorities announced that 122 missing, endangered, and exploited children have been rescued across Florida and nine additional states during a sweeping two-week operation.

The mission — “Operation Home for the Holidays” — was led by the U.S. Marshals Service with major support from the FBI, state law enforcement, and local police departments. Children recovered ranged in age from just 23 months old to 17 years, highlighting the urgent and heartbreaking dangers faced by vulnerable youth nationwide.

Officials confirmed that the operation also extended beyond U.S. borders, with two children located in Mexico and Guatemala.

READ MORE: Florida authorities rescue 122 missing children in historic operation, many exploited and abused: officials

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“This is exactly what the FBI should be focused on,” officials say

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the operation’s importance in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying:

“Every child rescued is a reminder of why we do this work. Under President Trump’s leadership, our federal, state, and local partners are moving faster, sharing intelligence better, and hunting down the predators who think they can hide in our communities. We will not stop until every child is safe and every predator is held to account.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier added during a Monday press briefing that many of the children had suffered “the unthinkable,” including cases of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and severe neglect.

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Children Rescued Across Florida and Beyond

Most recoveries were made in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, but the operation’s reach expanded far beyond Florida borders:

• 13 children were found in nine other U.S. states

• 2 children recovered in Mexico and Guatemala

All children have been returned to state custody or reunited with protective services, depending on case circumstances.

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Several Children Found in Extremely Vulnerable Conditions

Authorities highlighted several notable cases from the operation, including:

• A young pregnant girl receiving prenatal care for the first time

• Two brothers finally receiving treatment for substance dependency

• A toddler located safely in Mexico, now under a coordinated care plan

• A young woman who reported ongoing safety threats, now in protective housing

• A teenage boy with a serious juvenile record who finally disclosed past abuse and is receiving support

Officials stressed that each case underscores the life-or-death importance of rapid federal intervention.

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Six Felony Arrests Made During the Operation

During interviews and follow-up investigations, rescued children provided information leading to six felony arrests connected to:

• Child neglect

• Custodial interference

• Narcotics trafficking

• Sexual assault

• Terroristic threats

• Child endangerment

Law enforcement agencies say additional arrests are possible as investigations continue.

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A Message of Hope — and a Warning to Predators

The successful rescue of 122 children comes amid rising nationwide concerns about trafficking, exploitation, and online luring.

“This is exactly what law enforcement should be focused on,” one official said, celebrating the mission’s success and urging continued vigilance from communities and parents.

Authorities also warned that traffickers and abusers increasingly use online platforms to groom or target minors — and emphasized that more multi-state missions are being planned.

FAQs: FBI & U.S. Marshals Rescue 122 Missing Children Across 10 States

Q1. What was “Operation Home for the Holidays”?

It was a two-week multi-agency child recovery mission led by the U.S. Marshals Service with support from the FBI, state law enforcement, and local police. The operation focused on locating missing, endangered, and exploited children.

Q2. How many children were rescued?

A total of 122 children were rescued across Florida and nine additional states, making it one of the largest recovery missions in American history.

Q3. What were the ages of the rescued children?

The children ranged in age from 23 months to 17 years old.

Q4. Were any children found outside the United States?

Yes. Officials confirmed that two children were located in Mexico and Guatemala, with coordinated recovery efforts to bring them to safety.

Q5. What types of cases were involved?

Many children had been victims of or exposed to:

• Sexual exploitation

• Human trafficking

• Severe neglect

• Drug-related environments

• Custodial interference

• Online predation

Q6. How many arrests were made during the operation?

Authorities reported six felony arrests connected to child neglect, narcotics crimes, custodial violations, sexual assault, and other offenses. Further arrests may follow.

Q7. What agencies were involved?

The operation included the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, state police departments, local sheriffs’ offices, and several child protection agencies.

Q8. What did FBI Director Kash Patel say about the operation?

He praised the mission, stating that every rescue proves the importance of federal partnerships and emphasizing that predators “will be hunted down” until every child is safe.

Q9. Where in Florida were most of the children found?

Major recoveries occurred in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, with additional rescues spread across multiple states.

Q10. What happens to the children after being recovered?

They are placed into state custody, reunited with family (when safe), or provided medical care, counseling, shelter, and long-term recovery support as needed.

Q11. Will there be more operations like this?

Officials confirmed that similar multi-state missions are planned as part of ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation nationwide.