Federal authorities in New Jersey have arrested 264 individuals as part of “Operation Apex Hammer,” a major crackdown on violent crime led by acting District Attorney Alina Habba and U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. The suspects include 17 wanted for homicide, 95 known gang members, and several undocumented immigrants charged with serious crimes, including sexual assault and crimes against children.

Among those arrested were Lorenzo Benitez of Guatemala and Darlin Franco-Guzman of Honduras, both facing sex crime charges. Other suspects were linked to kidnapping, drive-by shootings, and attempted murder of police officers. Authorities recovered 14 illegal firearms during the operation.

Habba emphasized a swift and focused effort: “Violent crime is number one. That is all we’re focused on.” While waiting for a high-profile Tren de Aragua gang suspect to surrender, three undocumented migrants exited instead. That target remains at large.

The operation also targeted U.S. citizens, including a woman accused of shooting two people and a man wanted for aggravated assault. Officials called the multi-agency effort a major public safety success.