FBI operation in central and north Alabama leads to 228 arrests, 53 guns seized
By Brittenee Johnson
Click here for updates on this story
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WVTM) — A three-month FBI operation targeting violent crime led to 228 arrests across central and north Alabama, as law enforcement leaders point to continued partnerships as part of their effort to keep crime down.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office announced the local results of Operation Summer Heat on Tuesday alongside federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The nationwide initiative focused on violent offenders, gangs, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and illegally possessed firearms.
In central and north Alabama, the FBI said the operation resulted in 228 arrests, 32 federal indictments, and 20 federal convictions. Agents and their partners also seized 53 illegally possessed firearms.
The operation also targeted drugs moving through local communities. Investigators seized 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 29.7 kilograms of cocaine. The FBI said its child exploitation investigations identified nine children and located 12 children.
The announcement comes as law enforcement leaders report declines in violent crime across parts of north Alabama.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said homicides in the city are down 44% year-to-year. He pointed to the partnerships between local, state and federal agencies as one factor in addressing violent crime.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway also reported declines in his jurisdiction. From Jan. 1 through Oct. 5, Part I violent crimes reported to the sheriff’s office dropped from 194 in 2025 to 135 this year — a decrease of about 30%. Pettway said homicides were down 60%, robberies were down 48% and aggravated assaults were down 31%.
Despite the results, law enforcement leaders said the work will continue beyond Operation Summer Heat.
“Our commitment to protecting our communities doesn’t stop here. It doesn’t stop with Operation Summer Heat or any other initiatives,” FBI Birmingham Special Agent in Charge Dave Fitzgibbons said. “In fact, our partnerships are only getting stronger and expanding our impact.”
Moving forward, agencies say the focus will be on building on those results, continuing to work together and keeping violent crime down across central and north Alabama.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.