06/08/2026
A major child recovery operation in Southwest Florida successfully located 21 missing and at-risk children over three days, officials announced.
Led by the National Child Protection Task Force, the effort involved more than 145 local, state, and federal personnel working across multiple counties and beyond state lines to find the children. Each successful recovery was marked by the ringing of a bell at the operation's command center.
Authorities said all 21 children have now been found and are receiving care, support, and services to help them safely return to their communities. Officials called the operation a significant success in protecting vulnerable youth and preventing further harm.
