PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Nearly 50 allegedly violent criminals are off the streets, thanks to what law enforcement is calling “Operation Viper.” The FBI and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office issued this joint advisory:
>> FBI Miami supported seven South Florida law enforcement agencies in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties from mid-July until the end of September that resulted in 48 local arrests and lead to the seizure of 23 firearms.
Named Operation Viper, this FBI-lead initiative focused resources to support local law enforcement agencies investigating and arresting the most violent offenders throughout these three counties. FBI Miami surged a team of special agents, intelligence analysts and professional staff plus other resources to work directly with partner agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to combat violent crime.
“FBI Director Kash Patel made crushing violent crime a top priority for the Bureau. For FBI Miami, this means bringing our highly trained people and world class capabilities to aid our partners in their efforts to combat violent crime,” said Brett Skiles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “Let me be clear, they know their streets and communities better than anyone else. They have put in the hard work identifying and building cases against the most violent offenders. Our role is to augment and assist in getting these violent offenders off the streets. The results benefit our communities and make them safer.”
“Operation Viper sent a clear message to violent offenders across our region: we will not tolerate gun violence or those who bring fear into our neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Richard Del Toro. “This operation is a powerful example of what can be achieved when federal and local agencies unite with a shared mission. We are grateful to FBI Miami for bringing their expertise and resources to support our local efforts. Together, we made a meaningful impact safer, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
“The collaboration between federal, county, and local law enforcement agencies has been instrumental in keeping our communities safe. Through our teamwork, we are successfully removing violent offenders from our streets and taking illegal firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. This partnership approach is proving that when we work together across all levels of government, we can make a real difference in protecting the public,” said Chief Dominick Pape of Palm Beach Gardens Police.
“The men and women of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, in partnership our local and federal law enforcement partners, are committed to enhancing public safety by targeting violent criminals throughout our community,” said Port St. Lucie Police Department Chief Leo Niemczyk. “Through coordinated efforts, including joint task forces, intelligence sharing, and targeted operations, we are focused on keeping Port St. Lucie one of the safest large cities in the country. We truly appreciate the collaborative efforts and support of the FBI during this operation.”
The law enforcement agencies who participated in Operation Viper include the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Beach PD, Palm Beach Gardens PD, Riviera Beach PD, and Port St. Lucie PD.
Operation Viper was first conducted in Miami Dade and Broward counties in May and June of this year resulting in 60 local and 5 federal arrests plus the seizure of 21 firearms. FBI Miami is planning additional violent crime operations in the coming months. <<
