Operation Northern Lights recovered 43 critically missing children across North Florida and neighboring states during a two-week effort from Dec. 1–12. The operation involved more than 80 personnel from 25 agencies and resulted in nine arrests; investigators also identified two potential human trafficking cases. Recovered children — ranging from about 18 months to 17 years old — were given immediate medical care, shelter and counseling, and investigations remain active.
Operation Northern Lights: 43 Critically Missing Children Recovered in Multi-State Rescue
Leon County Sheriff's Office
Operation Northern Lights, a two-week, multi-state law enforcement effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service, resulted in the recovery of 43 critically missing children — some as young as 18 months — officials announced on Dec. 18. The operation focused on locating endangered children, securing immediate care, and disrupting criminal activity tied to their exploitation.
Operation Summary and Reach
The mission ran from Dec. 1–12 and recovered children from 14 counties across North Florida, with additional recoveries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. More than 80 personnel from 25 federal, state and local agencies participated, joined by social-service providers, medical professionals and child advocacy organizations.
Notable Recoveries and Arrests
Recoveries included a child reported missing from Leon County who was located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and returned to state custody. Teams also found a 17-year-old and a toddler missing from Okaloosa County near Jackson, Mississippi (leading to an arrest for interference with child custody); a 17-year-old from Suwannee County recovered in Meadville, Mississippi; a 13-year-old from Suwannee County found in Jacksonville after eight months missing; and a 15-year-old abducted by a non-custodial adult who was located in Ocala, Florida, with the adult taken into custody.
Wirestock, Inc. / Alamy Stock PhotoU.S. Marshals star badge
In total, officials reported nine arrests, primarily on charges of interference with child custody. Investigators also identified two potential human trafficking cases that remain under active investigation; additional charges — such as child endangerment or further custodial-interference counts — may still be filed.
Care and Legal Authority
Authorities said each child recovered received immediate medical care, food, shelter and counseling, and child advocates are assisting with longer-term safety plans and placement. The operation was conducted under authorities expanded by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which allows the U.S. Marshals Service to assist other agencies in locating missing, endangered, or abducted children even when a fugitive or registered sex offender is not involved.
Greg Leljedal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida, said: “This was the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida. Because of the tireless dedication of the U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners, 43 endangered children will now be home safe for the holidays.”
James Uthmeier added: “We will bring the strongest charges possible against those who put these kids in harm’s way.”
Derrick Driscoll of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children emphasized the human impact: “Each child recovered represents a life removed from harm’s way.”
Ongoing Work
Since the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act expanded the Marshals’ authority, the agency says it has located or recovered nearly 4,000 missing children nationwide, finding children in about two-thirds of cases and locating roughly 61% within seven days in many reported instances. Investigations tied to Operation Northern Lights are ongoing, and officials said they will release updates as charges are filed and cases progress.
