Case Explained: Feds Make 920 Arrests Targeting Violent Crime Across New Mexico – Legal Perspective

Albuquerque –

Officials announced on Wednesday, March 18, that a large 17-week, multi-agency operation led by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) for the District of New Mexico which targeted violent fugitives, firearms offenders, and narcotics-related crimes had ended.

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Authorities launched Operation Triple Beam–Shadow Break on Nov. 3, 2025, and ended it Feb. 28, 2026. The Marshals Service partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal, state and local agencies to apprehend violent fugitives, target firearm-related offenders and narcotics trafficking, and gather criminal intelligence aimed at reducing violent crime.

The U.S. Marshals Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) led the effort, with participating agencies focusing on known violent offenders. The operation resulted in 1,076 warrants cleared, 920 arrests, 59 firearm seizures, 37 vehicles recovered, 718.03 grams of cocaine seized, 1,032.35 grams of methamphetamine seized and 110.10 grams of fentanyl seized.

Five defendants face federal charges as a result of the operation:

• Jason Baca (26-CR-00223): Felon in possession of a firearm, assault on a federal officer, using or displaying a firearm during a violent crime; detained.
• Miguel Chacon (25-CR-04822): Felon in possession of a firearm; detained.
• Marcos Alderete (26-MJ-694; 26-CR-00965): Felon in possession of a firearm; released to third-party custody.
• Roy Pineda: Case (26-MJ-00417)Felon in possession of a firearm; detained.
• Vicente Villela (26-CR-00220): escape; detained.

“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 New Mexico Corrections Department 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.”

Participating agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, 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 the 2nd Judicial District Attorney, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, Estancia Police Department, Edgewood Police Department and Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.

The Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team said it continues to focus resources on improving public safety and reducing violence in New Mexico by identifying, investigating and apprehending fugitives wanted for serious crimes while ensuring equal application of justice, integrity and service.

During the Operation, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office were involved in shootouts, one on November 11, 2025, near Wisconsin and Central. A second fatal deputy-involved shooting happened on December 16, 2025, in the 300 block of Wisconsin St NE.