US attorney says nearly 200 charged in anti-violence initiative in Chicago, Rockford

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Thursday announced a summer anti-violence initiative in the Chicago area.

Andrew Boutros said nearly 200 people were charged in "Operation New Dawn."

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Eleven federal agencies came together over 60 days in an effort to disrupt violence in the Chicago and Rockford areas, he said.

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.

Since May 1, 179 criminal defendants were charged across 140 newly filed cases; 305 "fugitives were apprehended and brought into custody," Boutros said.

Twenty four children were returned home, officials said.

"It is my view that to combat violence, federal law enforcement must move at the speed of violence," Boutros said.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.