The story highlights ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and child-welfare agencies to improve child safety.

Information comes from press releases by the U.S. Marshals Office and the State Attorney General’s Office, underscoring source credibility.

The release stressed the national significance of the operation and the commitment to prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.

Authorities used real-time intelligence and field operations to locate missing children, with additional charges anticipated as investigations continue.

U.S. Marshal William Berger described the effort as multiagency and multi-state, with international touchpoints and expected future arrests.

The St. Petersburg Police Department contributed to identifying targets and locating youths, showcasing enhanced cross-jurisdiction collaboration.

Post-rescue services include medical, foster care, and juvenile-justice coordination to ensure long-term stability for recovered youths.

A two-week operation led by Florida law enforcement recovered 122 missing children across Central Florida, with 57 in the Tampa Bay area, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville, and 29 in Fort Myers.

Attorney General James Uthmeier described the operation as one of the largest child-rescue efforts in U.S. history and pledged to prosecute abusers to the fullest extent of the law.

The children’s ages ranged from 23 months to 17 years, and many had endured abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other criminal activity.

Officials indicated ongoing investigations and promised more details as cases develop.

Briefings emphasized safety in potentially dangerous environments, including gang activity, firearms, and drugs, with teams using safety gear and relying on local hospital locations for care.