TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer announced that 43 missing children have been safely rescued as part of a multi-agency effort known as Operation Northern Lights, bringing the total number of children rescued statewide in 2025 to more than 300.
The operation was led by the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Florida in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
This coordinated effort was carried out from December 1 to 12 and resulted in the recovery of children and teenagers between the ages of 1 and 17. Recovery occurred across Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
“Our office was honored to partner with U.S. Marshal Greg Lergedal and all levels of law enforcement to safely bring 43 missing children, some as young as 18 months old,” Usmayer said. “We will pursue the strongest charges possible against those who put these children at risk.”
Authorities reported that nine people were arrested during the operation, primarily on charges of interfering with child custody. Investigators have also identified two cases of possible human trafficking, which remain under active investigation.
State Attorney Brad McVeigh said the operation highlights the importance of interagency collaboration.
“Operation Northern Lights shows what can be accomplished when government agencies work together with a single mission: to protect children,” McVeigh said. “These recoveries reflect the continued dedication of law enforcement across the local, state and federal levels.”
Statewide prosecutors’ offices assisted with warrants, recoveries and arrests, and provided ongoing legal support throughout the operation to ensure all actions were carried out lawfully and efficiently, officials said.
Authorities stressed that an investigation related to the operation is ongoing and additional charges may be announced depending on the development of the case.
