One of America's Largest Child Recovery Operations.. 163 Missing Children Found

Florida authorities recovered 163 missing children during Operation Statewide Shield, a five-day child-recovery initiative conducted from August 17–21, 2026. Led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the operation located children ranging from two months to 17 years old across seven Florida regions, six other states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries. Tampa Bay accounted for the largest number of recoveries with 46 children.

Officials say many of the children had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to criminal activity, although not all were human-trafficking victims. Recovered children were connected with medical providers, social workers, child-welfare professionals and victim advocates. Three arrests were initially announced, with additional investigations still underway. Operation Statewide Shield expanded on earlier Florida recovery efforts, including Operation Dragon Eye and Operation Home for the Holidays.