U.S. Attorney Alina Habba leads Operation Apex Hammer, a powerful multi-agency crackdown on violent gangs in New Jersey, sending a clear message to criminals: “You can run, but you cannot hide.”
Key Takeaways
- Operation Apex Hammer is a comprehensive statewide initiative targeting violent criminals and gang members, including dangerous groups like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Rolling 60’s Crips.
- The operation brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies under the leadership of Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, focusing exclusively on violent crime reduction.
- Dozens of suspected criminals have already been arrested during the operation, which will continue throughout June.
- U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos emphasized that law enforcement will pursue violent fugitive offenders regardless of how long it takes to bring them to justice.
- Despite not finding the main target in one raid, authorities detained three illegal migrants and captured other suspects with outstanding warrants.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Operation Targets Violent Criminal Networks
A sweeping law enforcement initiative known as Operation Apex Hammer is transforming the crime-fighting landscape in New Jersey. The operation, which launched in early June, brings together an impressive coalition of federal, state, and local agencies to combat violent crime and dismantle dangerous gang networks. U.S. Marshals, alongside other law enforcement personnel, are conducting targeted raids across the state to apprehend individuals with active felony warrants, particularly those affiliated with notoriously violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Rolling 60’s Crips.
Early morning raids have become a hallmark of the operation, with law enforcement teams executing precision strikes against dangerous fugitives. In one such raid in Newark, authorities targeted a suspected member of Tren de Aragua, a transnational gang implicated in a series of armed robberies on New York City subways. While the primary suspect remained at large, the operation did result in the detention of three migrants illegally present in the country. This demonstrates the operation’s broader impact on criminal networks and illegal immigration, two issues that have significantly impacted public safety in the region.
“The United States Marshals Service on a regular basis goes after the most violent fugitive offenders. People that are wanted for murder. People who are wanted for shootings,” said Juan Mattos, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey
Alina Habba’s Leadership Brings New Energy to Crime Fighting Efforts
At the helm of this ambitious initiative is Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who was appointed by President Trump to serve as New Jersey’s chief federal prosecutor. Her appointment, which can last up to 120 days pending Senate confirmation, has brought a renewed focus on violent crime reduction and gang suppression. Habba has taken a hands-on approach to her role, personally participating in field operations alongside law enforcement officers, demonstrating her commitment to the mission and her willingness to engage directly with the challenges facing New Jersey communities.
Habba has made it clear that her office is focused exclusively on prosecution rather than politics, emphasizing the administration’s priority of tackling violent crime. This pragmatic approach represents a departure from previous federal law enforcement priorities, with resources now being directed toward apprehending dangerous criminals and protecting law-abiding citizens. The operation has already yielded significant results, with dozens of suspected criminals arrested and more expected as the initiative continues throughout June. Each arrest represents a potential reduction in violent crime and gang activity in affected communities.
“Violent crime is number one. It is very clear from this administration. That is all we’re focused on. So, the politics are done now, and it’s honestly been amazing being here,” said Alina Habba, Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey
No Escape for Violent Offenders as Operation Shows Early Success
The operation’s scope extends beyond gang members to include all individuals with outstanding violent crime warrants. In one notable case, authorities successfully apprehended a suspect wanted for aggravated assault who nearly escaped using a fire escape. Such arrests highlight the determination and effectiveness of the task force in bringing dangerous offenders to justice. The message from law enforcement is unambiguous: violent criminals will be pursued relentlessly, regardless of how long it takes to capture them or how hard they try to evade justice.
U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos has emphasized this commitment to pursuing justice without time limitations. His stark warning to fugitives—that they can run but cannot hide—reinforces the operation’s unwavering dedication to removing violent offenders from New Jersey streets. This resolute approach signals a significant shift in how law enforcement is addressing the crime wave that has affected many American communities in recent years, with a clear focus on making streets safer for law-abiding citizens rather than protecting the rights of criminal offenders.
“You can run, but you cannot hide. I think that the message is loud and clear. Our Marshals and the partner agencies that work alongside of us will always be determined to bring people back to justice. No matter the passage of time, no matter how long it takes.” – Juan Mattos, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey
As Operation Apex Hammer continues its mission throughout June, New Jersey residents can expect to see more arrests and a potential reduction in violent crime rates. The initiative represents a strong commitment from the Trump administration to address public safety concerns and combat the influence of dangerous transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, whose presence has grown dramatically during the border crisis of recent years. With each arrest, law enforcement moves one step closer to fulfilling their promise to restore safety and security to communities threatened by violent crime and gang activity.
