North Florida, December 19, 2025
The U.S. Marshals Service, alongside 80 personnel from 25 agencies, has recovered 43 critically missing children in North Florida over a 12-day operation named ‘Operation Northern Lights.’ This successful initiative culminated in the recovery of children aged 1½ to 17 years old, with notable rescues including a toddler found in Baton Rouge and a teenager located in Mississippi. The operation underlines the importance of collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies in addressing the issue of missing children.
U.S. Marshals Recover 43 Missing Children in North Florida Operation
Tallahassee, Florida – In a significant operation spanning 12 days, the U.S. Marshals Service, in collaboration with over 80 personnel from 25 agencies, successfully located and recovered 43 critically missing children across North Florida. The operation, named “Operation Northern Lights,” concluded on December 12, 2025, marking the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in the region.
Details of the Operation
The initiative focused on children deemed “critically missing,” a designation for those at risk of violence, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, or domestic violence. The recovered children ranged in age from 1½ to 17 years old. Notably, a 1-year-old from Leon County was found in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a 13-year-old from Suwannee County, missing for eight months, was located in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, a 17-year-old from Suwannee County was recovered in Mississippi, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old for interference with child custody. A 15-year-old from Okaloosa County was also safely located in Ocala, Florida, with the abductor arrested for interference with child custody.
Collaborative Efforts
The operation was a joint effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, social services, and non-governmental organizations. Over 80 personnel from 25 different agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and local sheriff’s offices, worked together to bring these children home.
Background Context
Since 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service has been authorized under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act to assist other law enforcement agencies in recovering missing, endangered, or abducted children. This authority has led to the recovery of over 3,967 missing children nationwide. The U.S. Marshals Service defines “critically missing” children as those at risk of crimes of violence or those with other elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
Future Implications
The success of Operation Northern Lights underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among various agencies in addressing the issue of missing children. The operation not only focused on locating the children but also provided immediate physical and psychological care to help them begin the path to healing.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days |
| Number of Children Recovered | 43 |
| Age Range of Children | 1½ to 17 years old |
| Number of Agencies Involved | 25 |
| Number of Personnel Involved | Over 80 |
| Notable Recoveries | 1-year-old from Leon County found in Baton Rouge, 13-year-old from Suwannee County found in Jacksonville, 17-year-old from Suwannee County found in Mississippi |
| Arrests Made | 9 |
| Potential Future Charges | Human trafficking, child endangerment, custodial interference |
FAQ
What is “Operation Northern Lights”?
Operation Northern Lights was a 12-day initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service, in collaboration with over 80 personnel from 25 agencies, aimed at locating and recovering critically missing children across North Florida. The operation concluded on December 12, 2025, resulting in the recovery of 43 children ranging in age from 1½ to 17 years old.
Who were the key agencies involved in the operation?
The operation involved a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, social services, and non-governmental organizations. Over 80 personnel from 25 different agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and local sheriff’s offices, worked together to bring these children home.
What does “critically missing” mean?
The U.S. Marshals Service defines “critically missing” children as those at risk of crimes of violence or those with other elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
How many children have been recovered by the U.S. Marshals Service since 2015?
Since 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service has been authorized under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act to assist other law enforcement agencies in recovering missing, endangered, or abducted children. This authority has led to the recovery of over 3,967 missing children nationwide.
What support was provided to the recovered children?
The operation not only focused on locating the children but also provided immediate physical and psychological care to help them begin the path to healing.
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