FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. (WAND) — Federal and state law enforcement agencies arrested dozens of fugitives and seized drugs and cash during a coordinated roundup across southern Illinois and beyond, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.
The seven-day operation resulted in 63 arrests, along with the seizure of 2.5 pounds of narcotics and approximately $15,000 in U.S. currency. The effort involved the U.S. Marshals Service for the Southern District of Illinois, FBI Springfield, Illinois State Police, ATF Chicago, and DEA St. Louis.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said the operation required weeks of planning and coordination among agencies and successfully removed dangerous offenders from the streets.
“Together, federal, state, and local partners arrested 63 fugitives—including the Marshal Service’s arrest of the suspect from the December 5, 2025, Granite City police shooting,” Weinhoeft said. “These results reflect weeks of planning and coordination to remove criminal elements from our streets.”
Authorities say arrests were made across Bond, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, and St. Clair counties in Illinois, as well as in Atlanta, Georgia.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Safe Christmas,” was part of a broader public safety initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
U.S. Marshal David C. Davis credited strong collaboration among agencies for the operation’s success, including efforts that led to the arrest of the alleged shooter in the Granite City police officer case.
“Their determination, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice exemplify the mission of the U.S. Marshals Service,” Davis said.
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson said the sweep reflects the importance of cooperation in combating violent crime.
“By working together, we are able to locate and apprehend individuals who drive violent crime into our communities,” Johnson said.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly echoed those sentiments, saying interagency operations play a key role in public safety.
“ISP will continue to partner with local and federal agencies to get violent criminals off the street and to protect the communities we serve,” Kelly said.
DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said the arrests should reassure communities impacted by violence.
“Let this operation serve as a warning that the combined force of state, local and federal law enforcement agencies is not to be taken lightly,” Davis said.
In addition to federal partners, numerous local law enforcement agencies assisted with the operation, including police departments and sheriff’s offices across southern Illinois, as well as the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
Officials say the FBI’s involvement was also part of Operation Coast to Coast, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating violent crime and narcotics distribution.
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