The U.S. Marshals Service and numerous Florida law enforcement agencies rescued 43 critically missing children across multiple states, a Thursday press release said.
The rescued children were found in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and across 14 counties in Florida, according to the Marshals Service. The victims were identified as critically missing because of potentially violent situations they may face or other concerning circumstances, like substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence.
“We will bring the strongest charges possible against those who put these kids in harm’s way,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a press release.
Nine individuals were arrested and face potential human trafficking, child endangerment, or custodial interference charges. Dubbed “Operation Northern Lights,” this two-week initiative that began in early December became the largest of its kind in North Florida history, with federal, state, and local officers working alongside social workers, medical personnel, and nonprofit organizations….