Operation Focused on Violent Fugitives, Unlawful Gun Possession, & Narcotics in Las Cruces, NM
and the immediate surrounding areas Las Cruces – An intensive 5-week-long joint federal, state and local operation led by the United States Marshals Service District of New Mexico, focused on violent fugitives, firearms and narcotics related offenders has concluded.
Operation Triple Beam-Prolific commenced on August 24, 2026, and concluded on September 25, 2026. The operation brought together the Las Cruces Police Department and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to apprehend violent fugitives and target firearm and narcotics offenders as part of a coordinated effort to reduce violent crime.
Led by the U.S. Marshals Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT), multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies concentrated their efforts on known violent offenders resulting in 237 total arrests, 17 firearm seizures, 2 vehicles recovered, 54 grams of Cocaine seized, 403.4 grams of Methamphetamine seized, and 110 grams of Fentanyl seized.
"The success of Operation Triple Beam – Prolific reflects the strength of the partnerships we have built across New Mexico. When local, state, and federal partners work together, we can identify violent offenders, take them off our streets, and remove illegal firearms and dangerous drugs from our communities. We will continue to be proactive, work together, and do everything we can to make New Mexico's communities safer." – David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico.
"Operation Triple Beam-Prolific continues to demonstrate the power of a unified law enforcement effort in New Mexico," said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Chage of the FBI-Albuquerque Division. "When agencies come together, share information, and work toward a common goal; we can have a meaningful impact on the safety of the communities we serve."
"When federal law gives us an opportunity to change the consequences for someone committing serious crimes, we are going to take a hard look at that case," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. "Triple Beam puts more eyes on the people and conduct causing problems in our communities, and it gives my office more opportunities to step in where federal prosecution can matter. If there is an appropriate federal case to bring, we intend to bring it."
"Homeland Security Investigations is proud to stand alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in protecting the communities we serve," said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso Ryan G. McRae. "By combining our resources, expertise, and investigative capabilities, we can more effectively identify and disrupt criminal activity, hold dangerous offenders accountable, and strengthen public safety. These partnerships demonstrate what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together toward a shared mission of keeping our communities safe."
"The DEA was more than ready, willing, and able to assist our partners in the U.S. Marshal service with the narcotics arm of this operation," said Robert 'Eric' Castañeda, Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Division. "The men and women of DEA El Paso stand united with all federal government agencies to pursue drug dealers who are foolish enough to attempt to remain in Southern New Mexico."
"This successful operation has communicated to those who seek to harm others in our community that we will not tolerate violence and disorder. It also shows our citizens that law enforcement at all levels will work together to reduce crime and prevent victimization in our beautiful city. Thank you to our partners for standing alongside us to make Las Cruces safer."- Las Cruces Police Chief, Jeremy Story
"Our officers see firsthand the harm criminals cause in Las Cruces and across New Mexico. I thank the U.S. Marshals Service for leading this operation and every agency involved for their commitment to keeping our communities safe. These arrests show what we can accomplish together. The New Mexico State Police will continue to stand alongside our local, county, state and federal partners to protect the people who call New Mexico home." said Matthew Broom, Chief of the New Mexico State Police.
"This community is safer because of the dedicated work of the officers with our Probation and Parole Division's Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU) and our law enforcement partners during Operation Triple Beam Prolific," said Adult Probation and Parole Director Lupe Sanchez. "The actions of our STIU officers resulted in 27 arrests of justice-involved individuals on warrant status, the recovery of a firearm, and the seizure of illegal drugs. The New Mexico Corrections Department places a high priority on community safety and enforcement, while equally prioritizing rehabilitative services for justice-involved individuals through specialized programming and behavioral health services—both for those housed in the NMCD facilities and those under community supervision. I want to commend the dedicated work of our STIU officers and thank all participating law enforcement agencies who worked alongside us in this operation."
"We are grateful for the hard work of the U.S. Marshals and the collaborating law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending these individuals through Operation Triple Beam. Without these arrests, prosecutions cannot proceed and victims cannot receive justice. This operation will allow our office to move forward, seek justice and pursue accountability."- Doña Ana County District
Attorney, Fernando R. Macias
OTB Prolific Participating Agencies
U.S. Marshals Service
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Attorney's Office
Homeland Security
Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration
Las Cruces Police Department
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico Corrections Department
Office of Third Judicial District Attorney
