U.S. Marshals-Led Operation Triple Beam-Shadow Break Results in 920 Arrests

Albuquerque, NM – A large-scale, 17-week-long multi-federal, state and local operation led by the United States Marshals Service District of New Mexico, focused on violent fugitives, firearms and narcotics related offenders has concluded. 

Operation Triple Beam-Shadow Break commenced on November 3, 2025, and concluded on February 28, 2026. The United States Marshals Service partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal, state and local agencies as a force multiplier in Operation Triple Beam – to achieve a common goal – apprehending violent fugitives, targeting firearm related offenders, narcotics trafficking, and systematically collecting tangible criminal intelligence to reduce violent crime. 

Led by the U.S. Marshals Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT), multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies concentrated their efforts on known violent offenders resulting in 1076 warrants cleared, 920 arrests, 59 firearm seizures, 37 vehicles recovered, 718.03 grams of Cocaine seized, 1032.35 grams of Methamphetamine seized, and 110.10 grams of Fentanyl seized.    

“The success of Operation Triple Beam – Shadow Break reflects the strength of the partnerships across New Mexico. I am incredibly proud of all our law enforcement partners who have worked so tirelessly over the past four months.” said David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “While this operation has concluded, our work together continues.”

“Operation Triple Beam demonstrates the power of a unified law enforcement effort,” said Andrew Bailey, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The FBI is proud to work with our federal, state, and local partners. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the FBI agents, analysts, and task force officers, hundreds of individuals who threatened the safety of New Mexico communities are facing justice. This FBI remains committed to defending the homeland and protecting the American people.”

“Serious criminal conduct demands serious consequences. We will pursue justice in every charge that warrants federal prosecution,” said Ryan Ellison, First Assistant U.S. Attorney. 

“Through Operation Triple Beam, the New Mexico State Police, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, worked tirelessly over 120 days to identify and apprehend violent offenders and disrupt organized criminal activity in Albuquerque and the surrounding communities,” said New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie.

“The results demonstrate the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts and our continued commitment to making New Mexico safer.” 

“Operation Triple Beam is a force multiplier. It targets the worst repeat offenders, removes illegal guns and fentanyl, and delivers real consequences. BCSO is proud to stand with our federal partners, and we will keep bringing cases forward that make Bernalillo County safer,” said Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen.

“We are grateful to the U.S. Marshals and all our partners who came together for this operation to combat crime. What began as Operation Route 66 grew into Operation Triple Beam, showing what’s possible when agencies truly work together. By partnering, sharing resources, and supporting one another, we can better protect the people of our community,” said Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.

“I’m proud of the work our STIU officers did during this operation and grateful for the strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners,” said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. “Our officers’ commitment to public safety helps make our neighborhoods safer, while also ensuring those involved are held accountable and connected to the treatment and services that can help them move forward.”

“Violent crime demands a unified response,” said ATF Deputy Assistant Director Brendan Iber. “Operation Triple Beam highlights how ATF works side by side with our federal, state, and local partners, combining resources and expertise to target violent offenders, remove illegal firearms, and keep our communities safe.”

“Homeland Security Investigations is not only responsible for safeguarding our nation from transnational criminal organizations and national security threats but is also charged with upholding public safety through our broad legal authority to investigate over 400 federal statutes” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “Collaboration is key and I applaud our prosecutors, and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for consolidating our resources to keep our communities safe.”

OTB Shadow Break Participating Agencies:

•    U.S. Marshals Service
•    Federal Bureau of Investigation 
•    U.S. Attorney’s Office
•    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
•    Homeland Security Investigations
•    Drug Enforcement Administration
•    Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office
•    New Mexico State Police
•    New Mexico Corrections Department
•    Office of 2nd Judicial District Attorney
•    Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office
•    Albuquerque Police Department
•    Torrance County Sheriff’s Office
•    Estancia Police Department
•    Edgewood Police Department
•    Valencia County Sheriff’s Office

The Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team has focused resources and efforts on the improvement of public safety and the reduction of violence in New Mexico, through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for heinous crimes against the community, while ensuring the equal application of Justice, Integrity, and Service for all.