An early morning raid in Newark, New Jersey startled criminals wide awake. U.S. Marshals hit the streets, executing a warrant for a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang. Authorities indicate the suspect is in the United States illegally and is wanted for a series of armed robberies within the New York City subway system.

This operation is part of Operation Apex Hammer, a month-long statewide initiative to reduce violent crime involving federal, state, and local authorities. The teams are focused on identifying and capturing gang-affiliated individuals and other violent offenders with active felony warrants, including members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Sex Money Murder-Bloods, Rolling 60’s Crips, and others.

“He is a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. However, they believe they have rights here that they simply do not possess. If you’re a criminal, you need to leave,” says Habba.

Operation Apex Hammer is also targeting U.S. citizens with arrest warrants including a New Jersey woman who police say recently shot at least two people. Also, one man who was wanted for aggravated assault was arrested by the team. But he nearly got away using the fire escape.

Habba claims President Trump once advised her: “Do not worry about the people who tell you that they are going to hurt you. Worry about the ones that don’t.” (Pool File via AP)

“You can run, but you cannot hide. I think that the message is loud and clear. Our Marshals and the partner agencies that work alongside of us will always be determined to bring people back to justice. No matter the passage of time, no matter how long it takes,” says Marshal Mattos.

Although the job is dangerous, Habba says she isn’t worried about her safety on the operations, telling Fox she relies on her team and her strong faith. Also, remembering advice from President Trump: 

“One time the President told me do not worry about the people who tell you that they are going to hurt you. Worry about the ones that don’t,” says Habba.

U.S. Marshals have taken to Newark, New Jersey, in Operation Apex Hammer – a widespread violent crime crackdown. (iStock)

President Trump appointed Habba to be the Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Habba can serve in the role for 120 days until she needs to be confirmed by the senate. But, says she is not afraid of the challenge.

“Unfortunately, one thing I’ve learned about the last four years is some people have made their mind up about who you are, they don’t really know you, but I will tell you one thing, I’m doing my job every day regardless of what anybody thinks of me. My job right now is to be the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the state of New Jersey. This is not political, this is purely about being a prosecutor,” says Habba.

The operation will continue for the month of June. So far, dozens of suspected criminals have been arrested.