Operation “Home for the Holidays” Recovers 122 Missing Children Across Florida in Massive Multi-Agency Sweep

Florida — A sweeping, multi-county initiative aimed at locating missing and endangered children has resulted in the recovery of 122 minors, marking one of the largest operations of its kind in U.S. history. The effort, dubbed Operation Home for the Holidays, brought together state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in an intensive weeks-long mission to bring vulnerable children to safety.

The children recovered range in age from 23 months to 17 years, and authorities say their situations varied widely — from runaways and family-custody disputes to cases of potential exploitation.

According to officials, the operation’s reach spanned the state:

• Tampa Bay: 57 children recovered

• Fort Myers region: 29 children

• Jacksonville: 22 children

• Orlando: 14 children

Law enforcement confirmed six arrests connected to the initiative, including suspects facing grave felony charges such as sexual battery on a child, interference with custody, and other exploitation-related offenses. Several of the recovered children were believed to be in immediate danger based on investigative leads.

Authorities emphasized the scale of the operation — involving specialized units, social service partners, and cross-jurisdictional intelligence sharing — as a key reason for its success.

“This was a coordinated, all-hands-on-deck effort,” officials said in a press briefing. “Every child found represents a life changed and potentially saved. The collaboration across counties and agencies made that possible.”

Investigators noted that many of the children were located in environments where they were at heightened risk of trafficking, abuse, or further disappearance. In several cases, social service teams were immediately brought in to provide emergency care and support.

Officials say the operation highlights two realities: the scope of the missing-child crisis in the United States and the effectiveness of concentrated, multi-agency action. With nearly half a million children reported missing annually nationwide, law enforcement leaders say the success of Operation Home for the Holidays underscores the importance of sustained, collaborative efforts.

More details—including the identities of the arrested suspects and follow-up care for the recovered children—are expected to be released in the coming days.