LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A sweeping federal, state and local law enforcement operation in southern New Mexico resulted in 237 arrests and the seizure of firearms and significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, according to federal authorities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlighted the results this week, saying Homeland Security Investigations in Las Cruces and its law enforcement partners identified 12 gang members, prosecuted 15 people and seized 17 firearms, two vehicles and narcotics during the operation. The arrests were part of Operation Triple Beam-Prolific, a five-week enforcement effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service that focused on violent fugitives and people suspected of firearms- and drug-related crimes.
The operation ran from Aug. 24 through Sept. 25 in Las Cruces and surrounding communities. Federal officials first announced its results Oct. 2, while ICE and HSI brought renewed attention to the operation in social media posts this week.
Authorities said officers and agents seized 17 firearms and recovered two vehicles during the operation. They also confiscated 54 grams of cocaine, 403.4 grams of methamphetamine and 110 grams of fentanyl. The U.S. Marshals Service said participating agencies concentrated resources on known violent offenders as part of an effort to reduce violent crime and remove illegal guns and drugs from New Mexico communities.
David Barnett, U.S. marshal for the District of New Mexico, said cooperation among agencies allowed authorities to identify violent offenders and remove firearms and drugs from communities.
“We will continue to be proactive, work together, and do everything we can to make New Mexico’s communities safer,” Barnett said.
Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of ICE, was one of several federal agencies involved. Others included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service. The Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Corrections Department and Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office also participated.
Acting HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae said combining agencies’ resources and investigative capabilities helped authorities identify criminal activity and hold offenders accountable. FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris similarly said information sharing among agencies can have a meaningful effect on community safety.
New Mexico Corrections Department officials said their officers alone arrested 27 people who were under corrections supervision and had outstanding warrants. Those officers also recovered a firearm and seized illegal drugs during the operation.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said the operation was intended not only to make arrests but also to reduce crime and prevent residents from becoming victims. New Mexico State Police Chief Matthew Broom said the arrests demonstrated what local, state and federal agencies can accomplish by working together to protect New Mexico communities.
Authorities have not released a complete list of those arrested or a detailed breakdown of the charges associated with all 237 arrests. The operation was aimed specifically at violent fugitives, unlawful firearms possession and narcotics-related offenses rather than serving as a broad immigration-enforcement sweep.
