In a massive crackdown on violent crime, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) successfully arrested over 3,400 violent fugitives across 10 major metropolitan areas during the latest phase of Operation North Star (ONS), a months-long effort aimed at curbing rising crime rates. This high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative, which took place from May to September 2024, primarily targeted individuals wanted for offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations.
The operation, which was launched in 2022 to focus on the most dangerous offenders, saw over 200 suspects arrested on homicide charges, with hundreds more facing assault, robbery, and weapons-related offenses. Notably, law enforcement seized 534 firearms, along with large quantities of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid driving overdose deaths across the country. Investigators recovered 138 pounds of the drug and over 550,000 pills, marking a major victory in efforts to combat the nation's drug crisis.
Feds arrest thousands of violent fugitives in sweeping operationhttps://t.co/yiX1xzuoBa pic.twitter.com/FAYnDDtMcY
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 1, 2024
The 10 cities selected for the operation—based on crime data from the National Crime Information Center and the FBI—were hotspots of violent crime. These included Dallas, Baton Rouge, St. Louis, and Phoenix, among others. Each city saw a significant number of fugitives arrested, helping local law enforcement regain control in some of the nation's most crime-ridden areas. For example, in East St. Louis alone, 602 fugitives were apprehended, including 34 for homicide and 177 for firearm violations.
Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the operation's success, highlighting the collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as key to its effectiveness. Garland expressed gratitude to the U.S. Marshals and officers involved, who often put their lives at risk to capture dangerous criminals.
The U.S. Marshals Service said a months long nationwide mission to capture violent fugitives has resulted in the arrests of more than 3,400 suspects wanted on murder, rape and robbery charges.
Doesn't appear to be an illegal immigrant among them.. https://t.co/jXbn6LDufv
— Old Man Lefty (@OldManLefty1) October 2, 2024
"This operation sends a clear message that we are committed to reducing violent crime and making our communities safer," he said.
Since its inception, Operation North Star has resulted in the arrest of over 10,200 fugitives, including more than 1,100 charged with homicide. The initiative is part of a broader federal strategy to target repeat offenders and individuals responsible for driving violence in their communities. The Marshals Service utilized a data-driven approach, identifying areas and offenders that posed the greatest threat to public safety.
In addition to seizing firearms and narcotics, the operation also netted more than $500,000 in illegal proceeds, further disrupting criminal networks. Among the most notable arrests were those of four individuals in Fort Worth, Texas, linked to a drive-by shooting that injured multiple children, and a suspect in St. Louis wanted for opening fire at a street racing event, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old.
Operation North Star's success underscores the importance of interagency collaboration and the federal government's commitment to tackling violent crime. With the rise in shootings and drug-related offenses across the country, initiatives like ONS aim to restore a sense of safety to neighborhoods long plagued by crime. As violent crime rates remain a key issue in many cities, federal law enforcement officials have signaled that more operations like this one are likely in the future.
