In mid-December 2025, a major U.S. Marshals-led operation, “Northern Lights,” recovered 43 critically missing children across North Florida and neighboring states, with agencies finding kids as young as 18 months, many at risk of trafficking or exploitation, marking the most successful operation in North Florida’s history. This follows another large-scale, late 2025 Florida-focused effort, “Operation Home for the Holidays,” where NCIS and partners located 122 missing children statewide, with efforts targeting human trafficking networks.
Operation Northern Lights (December 2025)
- Scope: A 12-day sweep in North Florida and into LA, MS, and TN.
- Agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, 25 federal, state, and local partners.
- Recovered: 43 children (ages 18 months – 17 years), some missing for months.
- Outcomes: Children received care, and nine arrests were made for custody interference.
Operation Home for the Holidays (November 2025)
- Scope: Statewide Florida initiative focusing on trafficking and exploitation.
- Agencies: NCIS, U.S. Marshals, local law enforcement, and social services.
- Recovered: 122 missing children, including many from Tampa Bay area.
- Outcomes: Focus on immediate services (medical, foster care) and disrupting trafficking networks.
Both operations highlight significant multi-agency collaboration to locate endangered youth in Florida, leading to numerous successful recoveries and arrests.
