The FBI made substantial progress in fighting crime and arresting violent offenders and child predators during the first 21 months of the Trump administration, according to data released by the agency Wednesday.
During that period, the FBI arrested more than 47,000 violent criminals and gang members—an increase of 67% over the final 21 months of the Biden administration.
Arrests of child sex predators and human traffickers also climbed 13%, surpassing 6,000, agency figures show.
FBI Director Kash Patel with FBI agents in Washington, D.C. The agency reported increases in arrests and other measures during the first 21 months of the Trump administration compared with the Biden administration’s final 21 months. (Courtesy: FBI, exclusively provided to News Media)
“Over the last 21 months under the Trump administration’s leadership, and while working alongside the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners, this FBI has delivered the largest reduction in violent crime in United States history,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Patel pointed to several major figures, including a 30% decline in the national murder rate, a 114% increase in arrests of violent crime suspects and the seizure of more than 4,600 kilograms of fentanyl—an amount the agency said could kill more than 350 million Americans.
FBI REPORTS LARGEST DROP IN VIOLENT CRIME AND MURDER SINCE 1937 AS HOMICIDES FALL MORE THAN 18%
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The FBI arrested more than 47,000 violent criminals and gang members—67% more than during the final 21 months of the Biden administration. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Law enforcement also captured 10 of the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives—2.5 times the number apprehended during the previous four years. In addition, six fugitives were arrested from the agency’s newly created “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list during its first four months.
Republicans sharply criticized the FBI during the Biden administration over allegations of political bias, government overreach and its handling of several high-profile investigations.
Patel said the agency confronted one of the most challenging threat environments in American history when Trump began his second term.
The FBI makes an arrest on Oct. 22 during a pre-dawn raid tied to suspected medical fraud totaling $1.8 billion in Southern California. (Justice Department)
“This FBI and law enforcement responded by delivering in the biggest way they ever have,” Patel said. “This is what happens with a president who backs the blue, an attorney general who relentlessly prosecutes criminals and good cops all over the country getting the job done.”