Multi-State Forest Sweep Arrests 25 Unauthorized Immigrants In Northeast Georgia
Law enforcement arrested 25 immigrants residing in the U.S. illegally in Stephens County, Georgia, during a multi-state forest sweep, officials said.[1]
Authorities said 14 of those arrested had prior felony convictions and one was identified as a confirmed cartel member.[1] A May 5 traffic stop on Highway 365 near Rock Road led to a manhunt, and 31-year-old Minton Carreto was later arrested near Trestle Ridge Road while a second fleeing suspect remained at large.[1] Agencies involved included U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security.[1] The FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, Stephens County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Natural Resources also participated.[1] Multiple traffic-stop investigations also produced drug arrests and seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone.[1]
Operation "Southern Forest Trident" ran May 1-6, 2026, across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Officials described the effort as a coordinated, multi-agency sweep to locate unauthorized encampments and suspects.[1]
Investigations and follow-up patrols were continuing as authorities sought the remaining fleeing suspect, officials said.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Operation "Southern Forest Trident" was conducted May 1-6, 2026, across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
- In Stephens County, Georgia, authorities arrested 25 immigrants in the U.S. illegally, including 14 with prior felony convictions and one confirmed cartel member.
- A May 5, 2026 traffic stop on Highway 365 near Rock Road led to a manhunt; 31-year-old Minton Carreto was later arrested near Trestle Ridge Road, while a second fleeing suspect remains at large.
- Agencies participating included U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, DHS, FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, Stephens County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
- Multiple drug arrests were made during the operation involving methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone seized in traffic stops.
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