Authorities successfully found and rescued 43 missing children after a massive two-week enforcement blitz across the South, officials announced today.
The U.S. Marshals Service spearheaded “Operation Northern Lights,” which was closely coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
The operation, which ran from December 1 to December 12, 2025, covered Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi and focused on cases involving missing minors ranging in age from toddlers as young as 18 months to teenagers as old as 17 years.
Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed the recoveries, indicating that prosecutors are likely to move rapidly 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 the majority of the charges related to interference with child custody. Investigators also identified two potential human trafficking cases, which are currently the subject of further investigation.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay attributed the operation’s success to the seamless exchange of intelligence across local, state, and federal partners over the 12-day period.
“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.”
The Office of Statewide Prosecution’s legal teams collaborated with local tactical teams to legally obtain and execute warrants. The investigations are still ongoing, and officials anticipate filing additional charges as the cases progress.
