On Thursday, July 2, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF), which began operations on February 25, 2025, has surpassed 2,500 arrests.

Established through a federal-state partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, the task force focuses on tackling transnational crime, gang violence, and illegal immigration across Virginia. Since its inception, VHSTF has apprehended 2,512 violent offenders who are unlawfully present in the United States, according to Youngkin.

Speaking at a press event held at Virginia State Police (VSP) headquarters in Chesterfield, Youngkin was joined by VSP Superintendent Colonel Matthew Hanley and Petersburg Police Chief Travis Christian. He praised the dedication of law enforcement, saying, “Our streets are safer thanks to the brave officers behind this task force.”

Earlier that same day, Youngkin also celebrated the largest VSP recruitment class since 2018, with over 100 new troopers beginning their training.

Operation Bold Blue Line Expands

Youngkin also announced an increase in enforcement under Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL), his administration’s effort to support 13 high-crime Virginia cities. Backed by the Attorney General’s Ceasefire Initiative, OBBL brings additional manpower, investigative support from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and increased state police presence to areas with surging violent crime.

“When a city is struggling, we don’t look away—we step in,” Youngkin said. “This is about putting more badges on the streets and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement.”

Human Trafficking and Fentanyl Response

The Governor also highlighted a sharp increase in human trafficking tips reported to VSP: 523 reports in the first half of 2025, compared to just 162 in all of 2023. Youngkin emphasized that increased public awareness has helped shift how Virginians recognize and report trafficking.

Alongside enhanced support from the Virginia State Police, OBBL has prioritized improving law enforcement through higher pay, expanded training and equipment, and new initiatives focused on recruitment and officer wellness led by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The program also offers increased victim and witness support, working closely with Operation Ceasefire prosecutors and community partners to bolster efforts against violent crime.

Additionally, Youngkin gave an update on Operation FREE, the Commonwealth’s aggressive fentanyl crackdown. Since its launch, Operation FREE has:

Seized 794 pounds of fentanyl — enough to kill over 85 million Virginians
Led to 2,579 arrests
Removed over 70,000 pounds of illicit drugs and 50,000 pounds of prescription meds
Disrupted production of an estimated 112 million counterfeit pills, worth $3 billion on the street

The initiative also includes important legislative reforms aimed at strengthening Virginia’s response to the fentanyl crisis. These measures include banning the possession and distribution of pill presses—machines used to manufacture counterfeit pills—making it a felony under SB 469.

New laws also increase penalties for drug dealers connected to fatal overdoses, with SB 746 and HB 2657 establishing involuntary manslaughter charges if fentanyl-laced drugs cause death. Additionally, fentanyl and its analogs have been classified as a “weapon of terrorism” under SB 1188 and HB 1682, allowing for harsher prosecution of trafficking offenses.

Public education plays a key role in prevention efforts. The “It Only Takes One” campaign educates parents, educators, and caregivers on how to recognize fentanyl dangers and talk to loved ones about the risks. Meanwhile, the REVIVE! program has expanded naloxone training across the state, providing thousands of Virginians with the tools and knowledge needed to save lives during overdoses.

Since July 2022, nearly 389,000 doses of naloxone have been distributed, and over 96,000 people have been trained in its use, supported by a growing network of trained REVIVE! instructors who continue to spread awareness.

Operation FREE 3.0 is scheduled to launch in October 2025.

SOURCE: Governor of Virginia

Elvis Duran