The FBI reported a significant uptick in arrests for “violent offenders” during the early months of 2025, with a 62% increase compared to the same period in 2024, as shared by Deputy Director Dan Bongino on Thursday.
According to Bongino, Trump’s FBI has apprehended approximately 14,000 individuals suspected of violent crimes, which includes cartel leaders, child predators, and those involved in anti-abolition assaults. He expressed satisfaction with these numbers, citing them as a sign of a return to the FBI’s original focus after what he described as politically motivated investigations under the Biden administration.
Bongino emphasized that the agency’s mission remains centered on reducing violent crime and enhancing neighborhood safety, noting, “This is not a victory lap.” Early statistics suggest the possibility of record low homicide rates in the U.S. for 2025.
Among those arrested, there were over 825 child predators and 140 human traffickers. The FBI is also addressing new threats to children from a group referred to as the Satanist Child Predator Network, with over 250 active investigations as of May.
“If you’re preying on our children, we’re coming for you,” Bongino warned, suggesting that it’s just a matter of time before offenders face consequences.
In addition to their arrest efforts, the FBI is actively gathering data to address violent individuals linked to unrest in cities like Los Angeles, initiated in response to attacks on Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bongino mentioned that over 700 suspects have been apprehended through collaborative efforts with various federal and state agencies.
The FBI’s National Press Office did not provide comments regarding these developments.
Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel assumed their roles with the aim of halting what they allege is the misuse of federal law enforcement that occurred during Biden’s presidency.
During that time, the FBI and the Department of Justice pursued investigations affecting groups like “radical traditionalist” Catholics, arrested pro-life advocates while seemingly neglecting other key issues, and faced allegations of bias in their handling of cases, including those involving Hunter Biden.
After the events of January 6, 2021, involving Trump supporters, the FBI reportedly altered its definition of “anti-government” extremism, increasingly focusing on individuals aligned with specific political affiliations.
Bongino noted that numerous changes have been made within the FBI’s leadership structure to avoid repeating past errors, indicating that some matters cannot be publicly discussed at this time but are nonetheless being addressed.
