DOJ EXPANDS JTFA TO CRACK DOWN ON HUMAN SMUGGLING ACROSS PANAMA–COLOMBIA, NORTHERN AND MARITIME ROUTES; 300 ARRESTS TOUTED

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a widened Joint Task Force Alpha offensive against cartel-led human smuggling, extending operations to Panama, Colombia, and U.S. northern and maritime borders. DOJ officials cited cumulative results since 2021—about 300 arrests and 240 convictions—while detailing cases involving child endangerment and deadly routes. The move pairs with recent federal pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions, signaling a coordinated enforcement ramp-up.