RICHMOND VA (Rocktown Now) — Youngkin announced Thursday that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF) surpassed 2,500 arrests as of July 1, 2025. Their operations began on February 25. 

Youngkin also announced increased enforcement from the Virginia State Police in cities with high violent crime rates under the Administration’s Operation Bold Blue Line initiative. This supports 13 Virginia cities to combat violent crime. 

“When a city is troubled with violent crime, we do not turn our backs on our fellow Virginians,” said Youngkin. “We stand together with our law enforcement heroes and form a Bold Blue Line to protect communities and put criminals behind bars. We have stepped up recruitment efforts and delivered the largest class for new troopers in recent memory. We are going to put more badges on the street. Our great state troopers work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement leaders and our Attorney General’s amazing Ceasefire team to protect and serve all communities. As we move into the summer, the Virginia State Police will be increasing their patrols in the places which need the most help.” 

The Governor and Colonel Hanley also discussed the comprehensive effort to combat human trafficking. A large focus has been on increasing awareness of the issue and how to report instances of human trafficking.  

“There has been a foundational shift in people’s understanding of what human trafficking looks like and how to actually build a case to not just interrupt it, but to rescue Virginians who are caught in it,” Governor Youngkin said. 

Lastly, the Governor updated on the Operation FREE effort which is part of the Youngkin Administration’s comprehensive fight against fentanyl. The effort, launched by the Commonwealth, has grown to include 175 federal, state, local and international partners.  

“The Virginia State Police are extremely proud of the work being done to combat violent crime, narcotic trafficking, and human trafficking across the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Matthew Hanley. “By leveraging the resources of our local, state and federal public safety partners and applying intelligence led policing strategies, we are making our communities significantly safer.”  

To date, 794 pounds of fentanyl have been seized in Virginia. Operation FREE 3.0 will launch this October.