As a result of the multi-agency Operation New Dawn, 305 arrests were made and 24 children were returned, many of whom were abducted or missing, FBI Director Cash Patel said in an interview. Fox News. The event was attended by 11 departments, and it took place in the state of Illinois – in the cities of Chicago, Rockford and their surroundings.
According to the head of the FBI, for about 60 days, all involved government agencies and services sought to suppress violent crimes, including against children. As a result, those arrested faced charges ranging from robbery and kidnapping to drug trafficking and exploitation of minors.
“The success of this operation and other similar initiatives should send a clear message that the FBI, our partners and the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Todd Blanch, are doing everything possible to dismantle criminal networks in our country, wherever they are,” Patel said.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros said the operation took an “innovative approach” in which law enforcement agencies worked in unified coordination and focused specifically on combating serious crimes.
“The results of this new approach have exceeded all expectations: since approximately May 1, 2026, 179 criminal defendants have been charged in federal court in 140 new criminal cases,” Boutros said.
Separately, the prosecutor emphasized that all participants in the events united not under the emblem of any department, but under the flag of the United States. The operation started in the spring and was timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of US independence, which is celebrated on July 4th.
The operation involved a variety of federal agencies, from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“The work of law enforcement agencies has always been and will be a team activity. Together, we have made significant progress, removing shooters and other violent criminals from our streets and making Chicago safer for everyone,” said Christopher Amon, ATF Chicago Division Chief.
At the same time, the prosecutor's office clarifies that the charges are just speculation, and all defendants are considered innocent until their guilt is proven in court.
The operation by federal authorities took place against the backdrop of increased attention to Boutros due to the initiation of criminal proceedings against six activists. According to the prosecutor's office, in September 2025 in Broadview (a suburb of Chicago), during a protest at an ICE facility, they surrounded the car of a federal agent and damaged it. The demonstrators were accused of obstructing a government employee and assault.
In May 2026, the charges were dropped due to irregularities in the work of the grand jury. Boutros was appointed to the position of prosecutor in April 2025.
