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43 missing Florida children found, recovered during 'Operation Northern Lights'
Law enforcement found 43 endangered children, some as young as 18 months, during a two-week sweep that spanned multiple states.
turnto10.com
Missing children saved from trafficking during 'Operation Northern Lights'
by Skyler Shepard
Fri, December 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Updated Sat, December 20, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The U.S. Marshals Service announced that 43 endangered children, some as young as 18 months, were recovered during a two-week operation from Dec. 1–12 across Northern Florida and neighboring states. The sweep, involving 80+ personnel from 25 agencies, is considered the most successful missing child operation in Northern Florida. (Leon County Sheriff's Office)
Missing children
Operation Northern Lights
U.S. Marshals
Child recovery
Human trafficking
Florida
Law enforcement
Child advocacy
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Law enforcement found 43 endangered children, some as young as 18 months, during a two-week sweep that spanned multiple states.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced on Thursday that Operation "Northern Lights" is the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida.
The operation, dubbed "Northern Lights", ran from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12 and involved more than 80 personnel from 25 agencies, including federal, state, and local law enforcement, social-service organizations, and child advocacy groups. The mission focused on locating critically missing children, providing immediate care, and preventing further exploitation, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
While most recoveries occurred in North Florida, the U.S. Marshals Service said the search extended to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Among the most notable cases:
A 1-year-old from Leon County found in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
A 17-year-old and a 1-year-old from Okaloosa County recovered near Jackson, Mississippi
A 13-year-old missing for eight months located in Jacksonville
A 15-year-old abducted by a non-custodial adult found in Ocala, with the suspect arrested
Authorities made nine arrests, primarily for interference with child custody. Investigators said they are pursuing additional charges related to human trafficking, child endangerment, and custodial interference.
The U.S. Marshals Service said the recovered children received medical care, food, shelter, and counseling immediately after being found. Child advocates were on hand to help with emotional recovery and ensure long-term safety.
Acting U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal called the operation “the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida,” adding, “Forty-three endangered children will now be home safe for the holidays.”
Homeland Security Investigations and local sheriffs echoed the sentiment, emphasizing teamwork and swift action. Derrick Driscoll of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children said, “Each child recovered represents a life removed from harm’s way.”
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