The Trump administration isn’t messing around when it comes to violent crime.
One federal prosecutor is leading the charge with a no-nonsense approach.
And Alina Habba had one brutal message to criminals that sent them running for cover.
Trump’s prosecutor hits the streets with federal task force
Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba isn’t sitting behind a desk shuffling paperwork.
She’s hitting the streets with federal law enforcement as part of Operation Apex Hammer, a month-long violent crime crackdown targeting the most dangerous criminals in New Jersey.
The operation mobilizes federal, state, and local law enforcement to track down gang members and violent criminals with outstanding felony warrants.
Fox News accompanied Habba and the U.S. Marshals on a dawn raid in Newark, hunting a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member accused of multiple armed robberies in New York City’s subway system.
"We are doing multiple cases at once to make sure that we clean up as quickly as possible. Violent crime is number one. It is very clear from this administration. That is all we’re focused on. So, the politics are done now, and it’s honestly been amazing being here," Habba told Fox News.
The federal task force isn’t just going after foreign gang members.
They’re targeting MS-13, the Sex Money Murder-Bloods, Rolling 60’s Crips, and other violent criminal organizations that have terrorized communities across New Jersey.
"You can run, but you cannot hide"
During the Newark operation, the primary target was absent, but three individuals who federal authorities say are illegally in the country emerged from the residence.
The search continues for the Tren de Aragua suspect who thinks he can escape justice.
"He is a gang member of Tren de Aragua. But they think they have rights here that they just don’t have," Habba stated. "You are a criminal you need to get out."
U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos delivered a warning that should send chills down the spine of every violent criminal in the state.
"You can run, but you cannot hide," Mattos declared. "I think that the message is loud and clear. Our Marshals and the partner agencies that work alongside of us will always be determined to bring people back to justice. No matter the passage of time, no matter how long it takes."
The operation has already proven successful in nabbing dangerous criminals.
The task force successfully apprehended one suspect wanted for aggravated assault, though he attempted to flee via fire escape.
Authorities also pursued a New Jersey woman suspected of shooting at least two people in recent incidents.
Habba brings Trump’s tough approach to New Jersey
President Trump appointed Habba as Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, and she’s bringing his no-nonsense approach to law enforcement to the Garden State.
Habba can serve in the role for 120 days until she needs Senate confirmation, but she’s not wasting any time getting results.
"The United States Marshals Service on a regular basis goes after the most violent fugitive offenders. People that are wanted for murder. People who are wanted for shootings," Mattos explained.
The dangerous work doesn’t intimidate Habba, who relies on her team and her strong faith.
She also remembers crucial advice from President Trump about staying safe in high-risk situations.
"One time the President told me do not worry about the people who tell you that they are going to hurt you. Worry about the ones that don’t," Habba revealed.
Politics are over, results matter now
Habba emphasized the Trump administration’s results-focused approach to law enforcement.
She’s focused on her role as the chief law enforcement officer in New Jersey, regardless of any political criticism.
"Unfortunately, one thing I’ve learned about the last four years is some people have made their mind up about who you are, they don’t really know you, but I will tell you one thing, I’m doing my job every day regardless of what anybody thinks of me," Habba stated.
"My job right now is to be the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the state of New Jersey. This is not political, this is purely about being a prosecutor."
Operation Apex Hammer will continue for the month of June, and dozens of suspected criminals have already been arrested.
The message from the Trump administration is crystal clear: violent criminals can run, but they can’t hide from justice.
Habba and her team are proving that tough talk backed by decisive action gets results when it comes to making communities safer.