FBI Director Kash Patel commended agents in Illinois on Tuesday for apprehending over 60 individuals within a single week, as part of the Justice Department’s Operation Safe Christmas. During the operation, 63 criminals were arrested, and 2.5 pounds of narcotics and $15,000 in cash were confiscated.
The operation took place in the Southern District of Illinois and involved a collaboration among the FBI, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, the ATF Chicago, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as reported by Just the News. “Excellent work [FBI Springfield] and collaborators,” Patel remarked on X. “Over 60 arrests in merely 7 days, contributing to enhanced safety on American streets.” The FBI is experiencing a significant year in collaboration with law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat crime.
The arrests were associated with a broader national law enforcement initiative focused on addressing violent crime and drug trafficking.
“Such operations demonstrate the efficacy derived from the close collaboration among law enforcement agencies,” stated FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Collaboratively, we can identify and detain individuals who perpetrate violent crime in our communities.”The successful arrests during this operation exemplify FBI Springfield’s ongoing dedication to combating violent crime and ensuring the safety of our communities,” he added.
This week, federal authorities announced the disruption of a credible terrorist threat over the weekend through the arrest of four purported members of a radical pro-Palestinian extremist organization. These individuals are charged with orchestrating synchronized bombings in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve.
The FBI informed Fox News Digital that the suspects claimed affiliation with a radical splinter group of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), which is motivated by pro-Palestinian, anti-law enforcement, and anti-government ideologies.
The FBI reports that the suspects purportedly planned to execute synchronized bombing attacks utilizing improvised explosive devices, aimed at five distinct locations across Los Angeles.
The agency reported the arrest of four individuals in Lucerne Valley, who were suspected of preparing to test explosive devices prior to planned attacks. Every individual has been indicted for conspiracy and possession of an explosive device.
On Monday, the FBI announced the apprehension of a fifth individual in New Orleans, suspected of affiliation with the same TILF extremist group and charged with orchestrating a distinct attack.
An Instagram account linked to TILF indicates that their founding chapter is situated in Los Angeles, with the aim of liberating “Turtle Island,” an Indigenous designation for North America, from what they characterize as the “illegal American empire.”
“Liberate Palestine.” Liberate Hawaii. “Free Puerto Rico,” the account stated. “Liberating the world from American imperialism is the sole path to a secure and tranquil future.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on X that the Department of Justice partnered with the FBI to disrupt an alleged terrorist plot in the Central District of California. She additionally observed that the group intended to focus on ICE agents and their vehicles.
Bondi stated, “This was an extraordinary endeavor by our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the FBI to guarantee that Americans can reside in tranquility.” “We will persist in targeting these terrorist organizations and hold them accountable.”
