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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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 July 7, 2025

Hundreds arrested in N.J. during major gang and fugitive crackdown

In a stunning display of coordinated law enforcement, federal and state officials have concluded a major crime sweep across New Jersey that has Washington talking about its unprecedented success.

According to Breitbart, Operation Apex Hammer resulted in the arrest of 264 wanted criminals, including illegal aliens wanted for sex crimes and individuals facing murder charges. The operation was spearheaded by Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.

Major Gang Members Among Those Captured

The operation specifically targeted dangerous gang affiliations, leading to the arrest of 95 gang members from various criminal organizations. Law enforcement officials focused their efforts on members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Sex Money Murder-Bloods, and Rolling 60's Crips. The month-long initiative demonstrated unprecedented cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Multiple dangerous suspects were apprehended during the operation, including 17 individuals wanted for homicide. The sweep proved particularly effective in dismantling organized crime networks that had established themselves throughout New Jersey. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating violent crime.

Authorities executed the operation with precision, targeting specific areas known for gang activity. The success of Operation Apex Hammer represents a significant blow to criminal organizations operating in New Jersey. Law enforcement officials emphasized that this operation was designed to address the rising concern of gang-related violence in the region.

Sexual Offenders and Immigration Violations

Among those arrested were several individuals wanted for serious sexual offenses. Lorenzo Benitez, a 54-year-old Guatemalan national, was apprehended in Plainfield, New Jersey, facing multiple counts of sexual assault charges in Keansburg. The arrest highlighted the operation's focus on both violent crimes and sexual offenses.

Another significant arrest involved Darlin Franco-Guzman, a 25-year-old Honduran national, who was captured in Trenton. Franco-Guzman was wanted in Baltimore County, Maryland, for burglary and the attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. These arrests demonstrate the operation's success in apprehending suspects who had crossed state lines.

The operation also revealed the intersection between immigration violations and violent crime. Many of the arrested individuals were found to be in the country illegally, adding another layer of complexity to the criminal proceedings. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the operation targeted criminal behavior regardless of immigration status.

Impact on Community Safety and Crime Prevention

Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the operation's primary focus on violent crime reduction. Her statement, "Violent crime is number one," underscored the operation's commitment to addressing the most serious threats to public safety. The initiative's success has already shown measurable impact on community security.

The operation's methodology involved simultaneous investigations and arrests, maximizing efficiency and preventing suspects from evading capture. This approach proved particularly effective in dismantling criminal networks that had previously operated with relative impunity. Law enforcement officials praised the coordination between different agencies as key to the operation's success.

The comprehensive nature of Operation Apex Hammer set it apart from previous law enforcement initiatives. By targeting multiple criminal elements simultaneously, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of large-scale, coordinated law enforcement efforts. The success has prompted discussions about implementing similar operations in other states.

Landmark Achievement in Law Enforcement

Operation Apex Hammer stands as one of the most successful joint law enforcement operations in New Jersey's recent history, resulting in the arrest of 264 dangerous criminals. The operation's focus on gang members, sexual offenders, and violent criminals has significantly impacted criminal activities across the state.

The collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies proved crucial to the operation's success. Led by Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., the initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in combating serious crimes.

Why This Story Matters

This story speaks directly to the safety and security of New Jersey communities. By arresting hundreds of violent fugitives, law enforcement has potentially prevented future harm and brought resolution to pending cases. It also demonstrates the power of collaborative policing in dismantling dangerous gang activity that threatens public welfare.

Conclusion

Operation Apex Hammer resulted in the arrests of 264 individuals wanted for violent offenses across the state of New Jersey. The coordinated, month-long campaign focused on apprehending homicide suspects, gang members—including affiliates of MS-13 and Bloods subsets—and those accused of sexual crimes. Notable arrests included undocumented individuals facing severe charges, reflecting the interstate and international dimensions of the criminal activity involved. Led by Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., this initiative marked a critical moment in the fight against organized crime and violent offenders throughout the state.

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Written By: Rampart Stonebridge

I'm Rampart Stonebridge, a curious and passionate writer who can't get enough of true crime. As a criminal investigative journalist, I put on my detective hat, delving deep into each case to reveal the hidden truths. My mission? To share engaging stories and shed light on the complexities of our mysterious world, all while satisfying your curiosity about the intriguing realm of true crime.

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