Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies arrested more than 60 suspects across southern Illinois during a coordinated crime sweep aimed at improving public safety ahead of the holiday season.
The operation focused on removing violent offenders and drug traffickers from local communities, helping authorities reduce crime during a period of increased travel and public activity.
Operation Safe Christmas Targets Violent Crime and Drugs
Officials launched Operation Safe Christmas as a weeklong enforcement effort to locate individuals wanted for serious crimes, including violent offenses and narcotics distribution. Officers seized about 2.5 pounds of illegal drugs and recovered nearly $15,000 in cash during the operation, demonstrating the scale of criminal activity investigators addressed.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said the operation strengthened public safety by disrupting criminal networks and removing dangerous individuals from the streets.
Arrests Span Five Southern Illinois Counties
Law enforcement teams carried out arrests in Bond, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, and St. Clair counties. Officers worked in both rural communities and larger cities, ensuring coverage across southern Illinois.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said agencies achieved these results through careful planning and close coordination. He confirmed that officers arrested a suspect connected to a December 5 shooting that injured a Granite City police officer, highlighting the seriousness of the cases involved.
U.S. Marshals Lead Multi-Agency Effort
The U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force led the field operation. The task force worked alongside FBI Springfield, the Illinois State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Chicago Field Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Field Division.
Local police departments and county sheriff’s offices assisted with surveillance, suspect identification, and warrant service, reinforcing the importance of community-level law enforcement.
Officials Praise Cooperation and Results
U.S. Marshal David C. Davis praised officers for their dedication and professionalism. He said removing violent offenders directly improves neighborhood safety and supports long-term crime reduction.
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson said agencies succeeded by sharing intelligence and pooling resources, which allowed officers to move quickly against dangerous suspects.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly and DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said joint enforcement efforts send a clear message that authorities will aggressively pursue violent crime and drug trafficking.
Part of a Nationwide Crime Reduction Strategy
Officials confirmed that Operation Safe Christmas supports the nationwide Operation Coast to Coast initiative, which targets violent offenders and illegal narcotics operations across the country. Agencies plan to continue similar operations in the coming months.
Residents across southern Illinois can expect an increased law enforcement presence throughout the holiday season as authorities continue working together to reduce crime, disrupt drug networks, and keep communities safe.
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