Operation Dragon Eye in Florida carries out a large operation to rescue many “critically missing” children.

Dozens of children were rescued in a blow to child sex trafficking operations in Florida, officials announced Monday.

Dubbed Operation Dragon Eye, this initiative was led by the U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida with the support of the state Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP).

This effort brought together 20 agencies to work collaboratively in the search for 60 critically missing children and the apprehension of suspects involved in trafficking, drugs, and child endangerment.

In a statement, Uthmeier emphasized the essential role played by law enforcement in planning and executing the mission. He stated, “As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority. If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.”

“Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida.”