250+ Arrests of Violent Criminals in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Photo and Police PatchPhoto byNight Photo Public Domain and Milwaukee Police

In a sweeping effort to combat violent crime, a federal initiative in Milwaukee has culminated in the apprehension of more than 250 individuals suspected of committing violent offenses. This operation, which unfolded over a two-week period during the summer, was executed through a collaborative partnership between local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service. Remarkably, this marks the third time in under two years that the Milwaukee Police Department has joined forces with federal authorities to locate and apprehend fugitives accused of grave offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, and other serious crimes.

During the course of this summer operation, a total of 417 warrants were resolved, including 37 linked to homicide, nine for sexual assault, 75 for assault, 20 for robbery, and 26 for weapon-related charges. Anna Ruzinski, the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, provided these noteworthy statistics.

Beyond the significant arrests, law enforcement agencies successfully confiscated over 100 firearms. This impressive feat accounted for nearly one-fifth of all firearms recovered nationwide as part of a comprehensive federal initiative encompassing 20 cities.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman expressed his contentment with the outcomes of this cooperative endeavor, emphasizing, "We are witnessing genuine collaboration that yields tangible results. We take pride in these partnerships."

Named "Operation North Star III," this initiative is a critical component of a nationwide undertaking led by the U.S. Justice Department, focused on allocating resources to address the surge in violent crime across the United States since 2020.

According to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, homicides in 30 cities decreased by 9.4%, and nonfatal shootings decreased by 5.6% during the first half of 2023. Nevertheless, national homicide rates remain 24% higher when compared to 2019.

Despite grappling with three years of record-breaking homicides, Milwaukee saw a remarkable 23% reduction in killings in 2023, even as nonfatal shootings increased by 2%.

Operation North Star III yielded significant national results, with 600 closed homicide warrants, the seizure of $1 million in cash, and the recovery of 555 firearms, according to data provided by the Marshals Service. Notably, 103 of these firearms were confiscated in Milwaukee.

Ruzinski clarified that the high number of firearms seized in Milwaukee reflects the unique approach of the local task force rather than an indication of a higher prevalence of firearms in the city. She explained that the Milwaukee task force concentrated on searching homes for potential illegal activities following an arrest.

Historically, Milwaukee has grappled with issues related to gun violence, partially attributed to the ease of access to firearms. In response, law enforcement has intensified efforts to curtail the influx of firearms into the city. Chief Norman underscored their unwavering commitment to addressing this pressing issue, stating, "We are dedicating resources to tackle the issue of firearms on multiple fronts. We discourage leaving guns in cars or homes, recognizing that some individuals are acquiring these firearms and engaging in violent activities."

Operation North Star has been launched on two previous occasions, with Milwaukee police participating in one instance in January, resulting in 114 arrests and the clearance of 213 warrants, including 11 for homicide, alongside the seizure of 45 firearms.

From May to July 2022, Milwaukee police were also active participants in a regional operation conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service, covering multiple cities. While specific figures for Milwaukee were not provided, this operation led to a total of 268 arrests.

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