Florida-led, multi-agency Operation Statewide Shield recovered 163 missing children aged 2 months to 17 from five continents during mid-August, signaling a broad, coordinated crackdown on child exploitation.

Arrests included suspects wanted for lewd acts with a minor and other child-abuse-related offenses; additional arrests are anticipated in the coming days as investigators pursue leads.

Officials stress that recovery is just the first step; recovered children will receive medical care, behavioral-health services, child-welfare support, and advocacy at seven recovery hubs from Pensacola to Miami.

Attorney General James Uthmeier reiterated Florida’s ongoing commitment to leading missing-child recoveries and pursuing predators to the fullest extent of the law.

Officials continue to pursue new leads and tips, and to prosecute abusers vigorously, as part of an ongoing, relentless statewide effort.

The message from state officials, supported by the governor and lawmakers, is that Florida will relentlessly protect children and pursue predators.

Officials highlighted the vulnerability of the recovered children and the collaboration between state and local partners to ensure safety and care.

Attorney General Uthmeier stated the children are in safe environments and will receive treatment to aid trauma and trafficking recovery.

All case details were logged in the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC); three felony cases from the sweep are being handled by the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors say they will seek maximum sentences, including the death penalty where applicable, for child sex abusers, aligning with Attorney General James Uthmeier’s stance.

Authorities aim to minimize re-traumatization by limiting storytelling and excessive questioning during investigations and post-recovery processes.

The operation is linked to broader reductions in trafficking and exploitation in Florida, with ongoing investigations tied to the effort.