Trump task force racks up 500 arrests in January as president brands cartels ‘ISIS of the Western Hemisphere’ President Donald Trump’s joint Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) conducted a surge of operations in January, resulting in over 500 arrests. This interagency effort, involving HSI, the FBI, and state/local partners, focused on criminal cartels, gangs, and smuggling rings, with a particular emphasis on crimes involving children. The surge also led to the seizure of narcotics and weapons, and identified victims were provided with restitution.

• The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) made over 500 arrests in January during a resource surge.
• The operation targeted criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and cross-border smuggling rings, with a focus on crimes against children.
• During 114 operations, 507 people were arrested, 16 federal indictments were secured, and over 1,100 pounds of narcotics were seized.
• Fifty-two victims were identified and received approximately $491,000 in restitution, with a total of 257 victims identified overall, including 27 children.
• The operations spanned across the Lower 48 states and involved various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.