FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. – Attorney General James Uthmeier and Commissioner Mark Glass, with partner agencies, announced the recovery of 163 children during Operation Statewide Shield, the first state-led statewide recovery initiative and making it one of the largest child-recovery operations in American history.

“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Operation Statewide Shield demonstrates the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment shared by all participating agencies and organizations to achieve a singular mission: find our kids and bring them home,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “This operation brought together state, local, and federal partners, to safely return home 163 missing children.”  

“The success of Operation Statewide Shield reaffirms what partnership can accomplish when government, faith organizations, not for profits, and the private sector come together, share their strengths and use their collective expertise to protect children across this state,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Assistant Secretary Jonathan Stephens. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Department will continue to foster opportunities to collaborate with local and state partners to maximize our impact.”

“The success of Operation Statewide Shield is a testament to the power of state agencies and local support organizations uniting under a common purpose – to protect Florida’s most vulnerable,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh. “I’m deeply proud of the efforts of our state leaders and sister agencies, our DJJ team members, and the partners who worked tirelessly to bring these children home and provide them with the continuing support they need.”

“The success of Operation Statewide Shield is evidence of the good work that can be done when community partners work together,” said Tracey Kaly, Director of Clinical Operations for BayCare Behavioral Health. “BayCare is proud to once again stand with our law enforcement partners to do our part to care for vulnerable youth.”

Operation Statewide Shield was a 5-day statewide operation focused on identifying, locating, and recovering missing children under the age of 18 across the state of Florida. Developed with a specific goal to provide immediate access to child-focused services, the investigation utilized real-time intelligence and field operations for location and recovery. 

The multi-disciplinary task force proactively located vulnerable youth across the state of Florida, including 46 recoveries 46 recoveries in the Tampa Bay region, 41 in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, 8 in Pensacola, and 3 in the Tallahassee region. The operation also resulted in locations and recoveries in six states, one U.S. territory, and 12 countries. The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old, and many had experienced various levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activity.

Recovered children needing assistance were safely transported by local law enforcement to designated recovery hubs, where they received support from social services, child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates, and other child-centered resources. All recovery information was documented through the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) to ensure case closure.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) handled the transfer of custody for recovered children.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office served as legal advisors for the initiative, and are taking on 3 felony cases generated by the operation.

Footage of the operation can be found here.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us