The Justice Department revealed Friday, Sept. 27, that more than 3,400 fugitives have been apprehended as part of a significant enforcement operation known as Operation North Star. Between May 10 and Sept. 13, law enforcement agencies focused their efforts in 10 major metropolitan areas, including Dallas, Phoenix, and St. Louis, targeting violent offenders wanted for serious crimes such as homicide, sexual offenses, robbery and aggravated assault.
Throughout the initiative, authorities confiscated 534 firearms, seized over half a million dollars in cash, and recovered more than 1,000 pounds of illegal drugs, including over half a million fentanyl pills.
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During a press conference Friday, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland reminded the public of the risks associated with such operations, noting the deaths of several law enforcement officials involved in these efforts to combat crime across America.
“We are reminded of the enormous risks that deputy U.S. marshals and their partners experience every day,” he said. “We could not be more grateful for their sacrifices.”
Since its inception in July 2022, Operation North Star has led to the capture of over 10,000 wanted fugitives across 30 cities, including 1,100 individuals charged with homicide, and the removal of more than 1,400 weapons linked to violent crimes.
The DOJ also unsealed charges against three Iranian nationals during the press conference, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The hackers, linked to Iran’s government, allegedly carried out a cyber campaign to undermine former President Donald Trump’s reelection bid by stealing private information from the Trump campaign and using it in emails sent to the Biden campaign and U.S. media outlets.
According to U.S. intelligence, there is no evidence that anyone in the Biden campaign responded to these emails. However, Garland underscored the seriousness of the threat at the press conference.
“As we approach the upcoming election, I want to reiterate, the DOJ will not tolerate attempts by Iran or any foreign power to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy,” Garland said.
