Authorities have successfully located and rescued 43 missing children following a massive two-week enforcement blitz across the South, officials announced today.
Dubbed “Operation Northern Lights,” the mission was led by the U.S. Marshals Service in close coordination with Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Running from December 1 through December 12, 2025, the operation spanned Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, targeting cases involving missing minors ranging from toddlers as young as 18 months to teenagers up to 17 years old.
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Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed the recoveries and signaled that prosecutors are preparing to move quickly against the adults involved.
“Our office was honored to partner with U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal in the Northern District of Florida to rescue 43 missing children,” Uthmeier said. “We will bring the strongest charges possible against those who put these kids in harm’s way.”
The sweep resulted in nine arrests, with charges primarily stemming from interference with child custody. Investigators also flagged two potential human trafficking cases, which are now the subject of deeper probes.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay credited the operation’s success to the seamless sharing of intelligence among local, state, and federal partners over the 12-day window.
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“Operation Northern Lights shows what can be accomplished when agencies work together towards the same goal: protecting our children,” McVay said. “The recoveries made in this operation are the result of the tireless commitment to protecting kids that exists across local, state, and federal agencies.”
Legal teams from the Office of Statewide Prosecution worked alongside tactical teams on the ground, ensuring warrants were secured and executed lawfully. Officials stated that the investigations remain active and additional charges are expected to be filed as cases progress.
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