Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has announced Operation “Hold the Line,” a strategic initiative aimed at dismantling drug cartels and gangs such as Tren de Aragua. Carr emphasized that authorities “won’t rest” until all members are incarcerated.
“With Operation ‘Hold the Line,’ we’re going after drug cartels and violent gangs like Tren de Aragua – and we won’t rest until every member is behind bars,” said General Chris Carr, Representative. “Thanks to our local, state and federal partners who joined us for today’s meeting.”
According to a press release, the operation is a coordinated effort involving local, state, and federal agencies to disrupt transnational gangs in Georgia involved in crimes including human trafficking, drug and weapons trafficking, and organized retail theft. The initiative specifically targets groups like Tren de Aragua, a gang originating from Venezuela and linked to serious crimes across multiple states, including Georgia.
The operation forms part of Carr’s broader strategy to address illegal immigration and its connection to criminal activity within the state. His office has taken legal action against federal immigration policies, prosecuted individuals for human trafficking, and collaborated with law enforcement to seize significant quantities of fentanyl—a drug responsible for many overdose deaths in the United States in recent years.
“My message to these gangs is clear: Georgia is not, and will never be, a safe haven for violent criminals,” said Carr. “We will track you down, prosecute you, and dismantle your operations.”
Carr was appointed as Georgia’s attorney general by then-Governor Nathan Deal in 2016 and was re-elected in November 2022. Since assuming office, he has concentrated on tackling issues such as human trafficking, gang activity, and opioid misuse. This includes establishing the state’s first Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Gang Prosecution Unit. Prior to his current role, Carr served as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development under Governor Deal from November 2013 to November 2016.
