Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF) has surpassed 2,500 arrests of violent criminals illegally residing in the United States. This federal-state partnership, established by the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to combat transnational organized crime and gang violence across Virginia. Since its inception on February 25, the task force has made 2,512 arrests.
“The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force has been extremely successful, and Virginia is safer today because of it,” stated Governor Youngkin. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of our federal, state and local law enforcement who show up and go to work every day to ensure violent criminals who are here illegally are arrested.”
Governor Youngkin also highlighted a 30-percent reduction in homicides since 2021 during his address at the Virginia State Police headquarters in Chesterfield. He was joined by VSP Superintendent Colonel Matthew Hanley and Petersburg City Chief of Police Travis Christian.
In addition to discussing the VHSTF’s achievements, Governor Youngkin provided updates on Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL), which supports 13 cities with high violent crime rates through increased enforcement by the Virginia State Police. This initiative works alongside Attorney General Jason Miyares’ Operation Ceasefire Initiative.
“When a city is troubled with violent crime, we do not turn our backs on our fellow Virginians,” said Governor Youngkin. “We stand together with our law enforcement heroes and form a Bold Blue Line to protect communities and put criminals behind bars.”
The Governor also addressed efforts to combat human trafficking in Virginia. In 2023, approximately 168 tips were submitted to the Virginia State Police regarding human trafficking; this number rose to 523 tips in the first half of 2025.
“There has been a foundational shift in people’s understanding of what human trafficking looks like,” said Governor Youngkin.
Finally, updates were provided on Operation FREE, an initiative targeting fentanyl distribution as part of a broader effort against drug trafficking. The operation involves over 175 partners from various levels of government and has resulted in significant seizures of fentanyl both within Virginia and across participating jurisdictions.
“The Virginia State Police is extremely proud of the work being done to combat violent crime, narcotic trafficking, and human trafficking across the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Matthew Hanley.
