FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to inform lawmakers that the FBI and its law enforcement partners have achieved the "most prolific run of crime reduction in United States history," according to his prepared opening remarks for the Senate Judiciary Committee's annual FBI oversight hearing.
Patel's statement highlights a major decrease in murder rates, successful crackdowns on drug and human trafficking, efforts to thwart terrorist attacks, and the apprehension of high-priority fugitives. He attributes these gains to the support of the Trump administration, stating the agency could not have achieved them without it.
"In 2025, according to the Uniform Crime Report, we delivered the LARGEST year to year reduction of violent crime in AMERICAN HISTORY," Patel's remarks read. "They happened with an administration that BACKS the BLUE and a new FBI that has been REBUILT to crush violent threats BEFORE they harm Americans."
According to FBI figures cited in his statement, the national murder rate fell 20% over the preceding 18 months, while arrests for violent crimes increased by 90%, and arrests of violent criminals and gang members rose by 30%.
Counterterrorism and Fugitive Apprehensions
Patel's prepared statement also details the disruption of a terrorist attack near Pittsburgh recently, where a suspect allegedly purchased a firearm and expressed intent to carry out a violent attack on behalf of ISIS. In total, approximately 1,039 individuals were prevented from executing terrorist attacks, as part of more than 4,260 arrests linked to Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
The FBI's efforts have also focused on securing major national events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Grand Prix, and UFC 250, reportedly without significant security incidents.
Additionally, Patel is expected to announce the capture of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre in Venezuela, marking the 10th FBI "Ten Most Wanted" fugitive apprehended during his tenure. This number represents more than 2.5 times the number of fugitives captured from the same list in the previous four years combined. Aguirre is accused of leading an international conspiracy to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions to support the Tren de Aragua through an ATM jackpotting scheme since at least 2024.
Fentanyl Seizures and Child Victim Identification
Patel's statement also notes the seizure of over 3,258 kilograms of fentanyl. The FBI identified approximately 11,000 child victims and arrested more than 5,000 individuals identified as child predators and human traffickers.
Bureau Reforms and Technological Advancements
Patel attributes the reported improvements in public safety and agency accountability to aggressive law enforcement, technological modernization, including artificial intelligence, and operational efficiency. The FBI expanded its use of artificial intelligence by 605% to enhance threat detection, triage, analysis, and processing.
Internal reforms have also led to the relocation of over 1,000 agents and staff to field operations and the establishment of a new field office in Billings, Montana, as part of an expansion in Indian Country through Operation Steadfast Promise. Patel is also expected to report that the FBI eliminated a multi-year backlog of 1.8 million lab samples, saving more than $300 million through spending and facilities reviews. As of last month, the lab sample backlog is reportedly zero.
