Federal authorities in New Jersey have announced the arrest of 264 fugitives as part of “Operation Apex Hammer,” a coordinated law enforcement initiative led by Acting District Attorney Alina Habba and U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. The large-scale crackdown involved collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, targeting suspects wanted for violent crimes, including murder, se.xual assault, and gang activity.

Among those arrested were 17 individuals wanted for homicide and 95 known gang members. Several suspects were also illegal immigrants facing serious charges. Lorenzo Benitez, 54, from Guatemala, was arrested on multiple se.xual assault charges, while 25-year-old Darlin Franco-Guzman from Honduras was apprehended for burglary and the attempted se.xual as.sault of a 12-year-old girl. Officials said the arrested individuals had a combined total of 2,625 prior arrests—averaging 10 per person.

Notable arrests include Stephen Bullock, charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 76-year-old woman; Shawn Davis, linked to a 2024 h.omicide in Trenton; and Trasuf Bennett, arrested for a drive-by shooting in Millville. Additionally, officers recovered 14 illegal fire.arms during the operation.

Habba emphasized that the mission is apolitical and focused entirely on eliminating violent crime. “The politics are done now,” she told Fox News, underscoring her team’s commitment to restoring public safety. The operation is ongoing, with key gang-affiliated suspects still at large.

Operation Apex Hammer also targets U.S. citizens, including a woman accused of shooting two individuals and a man wanted for aggravated assault. Authorities continue to pursue remaining fugitives tied to gangs and violent offenses.