Washington, D.C. – November 18, 2025 – In a major victory for child protection efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service has announced the successful recovery of 122 missing children during a coordinated multi-state operation targeting trafficking and exploitation. Dubbed “Operation Home for the Holidays,” the two-week initiative spanned 10 states and focused on locating vulnerable youth ranging in age from 23 months to 17 years old.
The operation, which concluded recently, highlighted the collaborative strength of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In Florida alone, 22 children were safely recovered in the Jacksonville area through joint efforts by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, FBI Jacksonville, and other partners. As part of these recoveries, six adults were arrested on serious charges—including sexual battery—underscoring the operation’s role in disrupting criminal networks that prey on children.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the mission’s outcomes, stating, “This operation exemplifies the relentless commitment of our law enforcement teams to bring these children home safely and hold perpetrators accountable. We’re not just recovering lives; we’re providing ongoing support to help these young victims heal and rebuild amid the broader challenges facing child safety in our nation.”
Echoing these sentiments, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation: “Operations like this send a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of our most vulnerable. The arrests in Jacksonville are just one piece of a larger puzzle, and we’re dedicated to ensuring these children receive the care and resources they need moving forward.”
The U.S. Marshals Service, which led the effort, reported that the children were identified as at risk due to potential involvement in trafficking rings or other forms of exploitation. While specific details regarding the other states involved were not immediately released, officials noted that the operation relied on intelligence gathered from various sources to prioritize high-risk cases.
This rescue comes at a time when national conversations around child safety are intensifying, with increasing reports of missing minors and exploitation linked to organized crime. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or national hotlines.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the recovered children and their families. “Operation Home for the Holidays” serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight to protect America’s youth, with additional details expected to emerge in the coming days.
