A massive fugitive sweep conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service has resulted in the arrest of 4,455 criminals across 20 cities in the United States. The operation, known as Operation North Star III (ONS III), lasted for three months and successfully apprehended violent fugitives and cleared multiple violent warrants.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized 555 firearms, over $1 million in cash, and 85 kilograms of illegal narcotics. The primary aim of ONS III was to target the most dangerous criminals and remove them from the streets.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commended the U.S. Marshals Service for their efforts in apprehending the fugitives. He stated that Operation North Star III is part of a larger initiative to combat violent crime in the country. Garland emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, with state and local law enforcement agencies working together to achieve the common goal of public safety.
Director Ronald Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service highlighted the evidence-based approach of ONS III, which focuses on addressing the root causes of community violence. The success of the operation was attributed to the strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This is not the first time the U.S. Marshals Service has carried out Operation North Star. Since July 2022, they have apprehended over 6,700 wanted fugitives, including 900 individuals charged with homicide. Furthermore, the initiative has resulted in the removal of over 900 weapons linked to violent crimes.
Operation North Star builds upon the foundation of regional and district fugitive task forces that have been in operation since the 1980s. By combining resources and expertise, these task forces have proven effective in locating and apprehending dangerous fugitives.
The cities primarily targeted in ONS III included Albuquerque, Baltimore, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Jackson, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
The successful outcomes of Operation North Star III demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety and security of communities across the United States. By removing violent fugitives and seizing firearms and narcotics, this operation contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect the public.
