The operation, dubbed "Operation New Dawn," involved 11 federal agencies working together in advance of the July 4 holiday, according to officials.
US Attorney in IL says nearly 200 charged in anti-violence initiative
"One hundred seventy nine defendants, over 140 cases, 305 fugitives, 24 children returned home," said Andrew Boutros, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, during a news conference.
Boutros described "Operation New Dawn" as a two-month initiative focused on violent crime. Federal officials emphasized coordination among agencies as a key component of the effort.
Eleven federal agencies came together over 60 days in an effort to disrupt violence in the Chicago and Rockford areas, he said.
"This spring and summer initiative had that full intention: Remove the violent offenders off our streets that have been operating the way they have for years, emboldened by many years of not being held accountable," said Robert Cekada, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Boutros said some of the suspects are accused in robberies, kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, firearms trafficking, firearm offenses, drug trafficking, immigration violations, child exploitation and various other federal violent crimes.
Boutros placed part of the blame on Cook County judges.
"What you see are violent offenders, repeat violent offenders, that the Cook County judges decided to release on pre-trial condition," Boutros said.
The announcement came as Boutros faces scrutiny related to his office's handling of the "Broadview Six" investigation, in which charges were dropped against remaining defendants following allegations of misconduct involving the grand jury. More than 1,000 investigations involving grand juries are now under review by the Department of Justice as a result.
"I am going to be addressing that stuff in a lot more detail. We have a court filing that will be speaking through in a lot more detail," Boutros said.
Boutros also denied rumors that he was involved in the departure of the FBI's Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta. The head of the Chicago Field Office announced his retirement Wednesday. Boutros said the news came as a complete surprise.