179 Charged in “Badgeless” Federal Enforcement

Federal prosecutors in northern Illinois say 179 people have been charged during a 60-day effort targeting violent offenders. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros says multiple agencies worked together under the U.S. flag as part of Operation New Dawn, described as a badgeless federal initiative. Authorities say the operation focused on arrests tied to violent crime, while also locating 24 children and returning them home. Boutros credited coordination among law enforcement partners for the results, saying the effort shows what can happen when agencies combine resources toward public safety. Prosecutors have not released full details on all charges.