FBI Director Kash Patel described a major operation led by multiple federal agencies that resulted in arresting over 300 suspects in the Chicago area within 60 days. According to Patel, this effort, known as Operation New Dawn, reflects a large-scale, government-wide strategy to reduce violent crimes and crimes against children in American cities.
“Operation New Dawn represents a massive, whole-of-government approach under President Trump’s leadership to cracking down on violent crimes and crimes against children in great American cities,” Patel told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
The operation involved 11 different federal agencies working together to arrest 305 suspects and rescue 24 children. Many of these children had been reported kidnapped or missing. Charges against the suspects include robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and child exploitation.
“The success of this op and more to come through initiatives like Summer Heat 2.0 should be a clear message that this FBI, our partners, and the Justice Department led by AG Todd Blanche are full throttle on crushing criminal networks in this country no matter where they are,” Patel added.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois confirmed that agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were part of the operation. Patel highlighted the FBI’s role in foreign transfers of custody for two key targets, one from Iraq and one from Colombia.
Apart from robbers, kidnappers, and drug traffickers, the operation also exposed suspects involved in gun trafficking and immigration violations. The U.S. Attorney’s statement described this as a “badgeless” operation, where federal agencies united under the U.S. flag rather than any single agency’s emblem.
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros emphasized that the collaboration marked a new era in law enforcement. He stated, “It is my view that to combat violence, federal law enforcement must move at the speed of violence.” The success of the operation proves this approach effective.
ATF Special Agent in Charge in Chicago, Christopher Amon, supported this view, stating the operation showcased the trust and cooperation among federal law enforcement partners in Chicago. This collaboration was key in capturing criminals such as Felipe Dejesus Gomez Ramirez, a convicted murderer and illegal alien.
The operation also led to the arrests of David Collins and Tyrone Thomas. Both men, associated with the Traveling Vice Lords street gang, were charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Todd C. Smith, DEA’s special agent in charge of the Chicago Field Division, noted the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement in tackling both violent crime and drug trafficking. The cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies was crucial in targeting criminal networks, removing offenders, and enhancing public safety.
Starting on May 1, the operation has so far resulted in 179 defendants being charged in federal court across 140 new criminal cases. Twenty-four kidnapped children have been located and safely returned to their families.
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