In a recent announcement, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino detailed the agency’s significant accomplishments during his and Director Kash Patel’s initial three months in office. He highlighted large-scale operations targeting child sex predators, foreign intelligence arrests, and coordination with immigration enforcement. Two prominent stings, “Operation Restoring Justice” and “Operation Soteria Shield,” resulted in the apprehension of over 400 child predators and the rescue of more than 200 children, emphasizing the urgency and commitment of the FBI to combat child exploitation. Bongino made it clear that the agency’s efforts are just beginning, vowing to aggressively pursue those who prey on children.
Bongino also shared updates on various high-profile investigations, noting progress on cases related to the COVID-19 cover-up, the Dobbs leak, and the investigation into the DNC pipe bomb. Furthermore, he mentioned that three of the FBI’s top ten most wanted individuals were apprehended during this period, alongside numerous arrests of foreign intelligence targets involved in illicit activities. These efforts reflect a concerted push to address both national and international security threats in a climate characterized by increasing challenges.
As part of the restructuring and leadership changes at the FBI, Bongino stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure that they do not recur. The realignment within the agency aims to better tackle existing issues and bolster its operational effectiveness. Facing a rapidly changing global environment, he expressed the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding national security while progressing through ongoing investigations into various violent crimes and threats to public safety.
In addition to focusing on child predators and foreign intelligence, Bongino disclosed that the FBI has made significant strides in immigrant enforcement, resulting in the arrest, imprisonment, and deportation of thousands of illegal immigrants. Coordinating with federal partners, the FBI was also actively involved in more than 700 arrests linked to anti-ICE riots, illustrating a multifaceted approach to law enforcement that encompasses both criminal and immigration-related issues.
Bongino assured the public that the FBI’s efforts to address riots and violence would not wane. He reiterated the agency’s determination to track down individuals who engaged in criminal acts during protests, underscoring their ongoing commitment to public safety and accountability. His message was clear: the FBI will persist in its mission to restore order and ensure justice is served for those who endanger others.
As Bongino concluded his announcement, he expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and support, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead. He pledged continued transparency regarding disclosures and public corruption, affirming that the FBI is dedicated to its role in protecting the homeland. His closing remarks emphasized the agency’s resolve to uphold justice and defend American values in the face of adversity.