Florida recovers 163 missing children in Operation Statewide Shield across Tampa, Miami and Orlando
TAMPA, Fla. —
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass announced the recovery of 163 missing children during Operation Statewide Shield, a five-day statewide initiative that marked one of the largest child-recovery operations in U.S. history.
Related: Local nonprofit details its role in operation that rescued 163 missing children
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” said Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Operation Statewide Shield demonstrates the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment shared by all participating agencies and organizations to achieve a singular mission: find our kids and bring them home,” Glass said. “This operation brought together state, local, and federal partners to safely return home 163 missing children.”
Jonathan Stephens, assistant secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, highlighted the importance of partnership in the operation’s success.
“The success of Operation Statewide Shield reaffirms what partnership can accomplish when government, faith organizations, not-for-profits, and the private sector come together, share their strengths and use their collective expertise to protect children across this state,” Stephens said.
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh praised the collaborative efforts behind the initiative.
“The success of Operation Statewide Shield is a testament to the power of state agencies and local support organizations uniting under a common purpose — to protect Florida’s most vulnerable,” Walsh said. “I’m deeply proud of the efforts of our state leaders and sister agencies, our DJJ team members, and the partners who worked tirelessly to bring these children home and provide them with the continuing support they need.”
BayCare Director Tracy Kaly emphasized the role of community partnerships in the operation.
“The success of Operation Statewide Shield is evidence of the good work that can be done when community partners work together,” Kaly said. “BayCare is proud to once again stand with our law enforcement partners to do our part to care for vulnerable youth.”
The operation focused on identifying, locating, and recovering missing children under the age of 18 across Florida, utilizing real-time intelligence and field operations. Recoveries included 46 children in the Tampa Bay region, 41 in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, eight in Pensacola, and three in Tallahassee. The initiative also extended to six other states, one U.S. territory, and 12 countries. The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old, with many having experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to criminal activity.
Recovered children were transported to designated recovery hubs by local law enforcement, where they received support from social services, child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates, and other child-focused resources. Recovery information was documented through the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse to ensure case closure.
The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice managed the transfer of custody for the recovered children.
Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office served as legal advisers for the operation and are handling three felony cases generated by the initiative.
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