United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Announces Results From Operation New Dawn: 179 Defendants Charged in Approximately Sixty Days as Part of First-of-Its-Kind Spring and[...]

CHICAGO - Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced that 179 individuals were charged across 140 newly-filed cases as part of the massively successful Operation New Dawn, a first-of-its-kind "badgeless" enforcement initiative in Chicagoland that focused on a single mission for roughly 60 days: to set aside barriers and focus exclusively on disrupting violence in the Chicago and Rockford areas by arresting the worst of the worst offenders, who would then face federal criminal prosecution. This Operation is described as "badgeless" because multiple federal agencies came together under the banner of the United States flag as opposed to the shield of any agency. Doing so created shared accountability and unified, mission-minded, anti-violence work in the Northern District of Illinois starting in the spring and continuing into the summer in special recognition of our nation's 250th birthday. U.S. Attorney Boutros constructed Operation New Dawn using an innovative federal law enforcement approach to fighting violent crime that had not been done before in the District: eleven federal agencies worked arm-in-arm as one cohesive, unified partnership to arrest dangerous criminals responsible for serious offenses, including robberies, kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, firearms trafficking, firearm offenses, drug trafficking, immigration violations, child exploitation, and various other federal violent crimes.

The results of this new approach exceeded all expectations: Since roughly May 1, 2026, 179 criminal defendants were charged in federal court across 140 newly-filed criminal cases; 305 fugitives were apprehended and brought into custody, many of whom had previously been charged with serious criminal offenses; and 24 children, many of whom were kidnapped, were located and safely returned home.

"It is my view that to combat violence, federal law enforcement must move at the speed of violence," said U.S. Attorney Boutros. "The remarkable success of Operation New Dawn resoundingly proves that point. Chicago's federal anti-violence apparatus united under one banner-the United States flag and not the shield, badge, banner, or logo of any agency-to make their presence felt on the streets of Chicago and make it known that they are a force to be reckoned with in the battle against violence. As the name New Dawn embodies, it's the dawn of a new federal law enforcement era when it comes to combating violent crime in the Northern District of Illinois and being responsive to the people of the District, who want to be and feel safe. During Operation New Dawn, federal law enforcement engaged in rapid, targeted, and responsive interventions that interrupted violence in real time. Our law enforcement goal was singular: to tackle the scourge of violence that has gripped this incredible, American city for too long."

U.S. Attorney Boutros wishes to personally thank Robert Cekada, Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who flew from Washington, D.C. to Chicago to jointly announce the tremendous results of Operation New Dawn. The ATF Chicago Field Division has been an extraordinary partner in the fight against violence in Chicago. In addition, U.S. Attorney Boutros also wishes to thank all eleven of the Special Agents in Charge (SACs), other law enforcement agency heads, and all their various leadership teams for their exceptional and strong partnership in this "whole of federal law enforcement" Operation. The leadership, resources, and energy they brought to Operation New Dawn were truly outstanding. Those thanks are extended to Christopher Amon of ATF; Todd C. Smith of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Douglas S. DePodesta of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Matthew Scarpino of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Diego Grimaldo of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF); Marta Grijalva of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI); Arturo E. Hernandez of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Central Field Office; LaDon Reynolds of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); Nicholas Bucciarelli of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Mario Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Frank Padula of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago (ICE). The Chicago Police Department provided strong, sustained support and assistance throughout Operation New Dawn.

"The significance of Operation New Dawn, in which eleven federal agencies agreed to come together with one common mission, is truly historic and a powerful and manifestly visible testament to how united the federal law enforcement community is in Chicago," stated U.S. Attorney Boutros. "I couldn't be prouder of the work of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys-many of whom I personally hired within the past year-plus-and our law enforcement partners who literally endured violent attacks and attempted robberies by criminals who apparently didn't get the message that a new era of federal crime fighting in Chicago started more than a year ago when I became U.S. Attorney. Recognizing that crime doesn't stop or operate at normal hours, federal prosecutors, agents, Office and agency leaders, and others, worked many long days, nights, weekends, and holidays to make Operation New Dawn a success. But it was worth it, because it's our way to uniquely give back to the country in celebration of the 250th birthday of the greatest nation ever to be formed."

Although many notable cases could be singled out, a selection of significant charges from Operation New Dawn are highlighted in these "Top 5" reports from ATF, FBI, HSI, and DEA. These cases involve serious violent offenses, including murder, carjacking, fentanyl trafficking, firearms trafficking, and child sex offenses. The cases are representative of the type of significant federal arrests that were made and charges that were filed under Operation New Dawn to remove dangerous offenders from our neighborhoods.

"Law enforcement has always been, and always will be, a team sport," said Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Chicago Field Division. "The success of Operation New Dawn reflects the leadership of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the trust, commitment, and collaboration among our Chicago federal law enforcement partners. Together, we made a meaningful impact by removing shooters and other violent offenders from our streets making Chicago safer for all."

"Operation New Dawn demonstrates the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts to address the interconnected threats of violent crime and drug trafficking," said Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division. "Through the Homeland Security Task Force and in partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies combined intelligence, resources and expertise to target individuals and criminal networks that threaten public safety. Reducing violent crime remains one of DEA's top strategic priorities, and the significant drug seizures resulting from this operation underscore the close relationship between violence and drug trafficking activity. By working together to disrupt criminal organizations, remove dangerous drugs from our communities, and hold offenders accountable, we are enhancing public safety while advancing our commitment to a Fentanyl Free America."

"Operation New Dawn served as an opportunity for the public to see the relentless and talented work by the men and women of the FBI Chicago Field Office," said Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office. "These successes showcase the sophisticated and brave work done by the FBI every day. The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe, removing violent criminals from our streets, and disrupting the networks criminals use when attempting to harm the people law enforcement is sworn to serve and protect. The FBI's operational period protecting this city knows no end date, and we are proud to continue to work with our partners and the public to ensure those who live and work in Chicago are free from threats or harm."

"Operation New Dawn is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to fight against violent crime," said Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of HSI. "HSI is proud to have played a critical role in this unprecedented anti-violence initiative, leveraging our investigative expertise to disrupt violent criminal networks, dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and protect vulnerable children in the greater Chicago area. The results of this operation demonstrate the power of unified action and the dedication of HSI agents to safeguarding our communities. As we mark our nation's 250th birthday, HSI remains steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety and security of every resident in our great city."

"Violent crime has no place in one of America's greatest cities," said Marta Grijalva, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. "IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to stand alongside our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle the criminal organizations that bring violence into our neighborhoods. By exposing the financial networks that fuel violent crime, we help dismantle the organizations that profit from fear and make our communities safer."

The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.