The FBI has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its capability in identifying threats and combating crime, particularly focusing on transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels. This information was shared by Deputy Director Christopher Raia during an interview with CBS News. Raia highlighted the role of AI in significantly decreasing response times to actionable intelligence, reducing the duration from tip-off to field action from weeks to mere hours or even minutes.
Recent data from the FBI’s annual crime report indicates a notable decline in violent crime rates across the United States. In 2025, the nation’s murder rate reached its lowest point in 20 years. Additionally, there was a record one-year drop in overall violent crime, with aggravated assaults decreasing by 7.2%, rapes by 7.6%, and robberies by 18.5%.
Raia attributes this decline to several factors, including the effective collaboration of state and local law enforcement and enhanced border security. He also emphasized the contribution of a renewed focus on violent crime.
The integration of AI within the FBI allows the bureau to manage vast amounts of incoming data efficiently. Raia noted that the FBI previously faced challenges in analyzing numerous tips received globally each day. AI now aids in identifying the most critical threats, thus reallocating resources for swift field actions.
“We’ve sprinkled in AI and now these tips rise to the top and we can get them out to the field to action,” Raia stated.
An example of AI’s effectiveness is the case of Zachary Charles Newell from North Carolina. In March, he received a two-year federal prison sentence for making online threats against a black preschool. The use of AI expedited the prioritization and response to this tip, leading to a quick arrest.
Regarding concerns over AI impacting civil liberties, Raia assured that the FBI has maintained transparency with Congress and oversight bodies to protect citizens’ rights. He mentioned that the agency has submitted over 50,000 pages of documents for review to address these concerns.
Moreover, privacy advocates have raised issues concerning Flock Safety, a company providing automated license plate readers to numerous law enforcement agencies. Data from these devices have been shared with federal agencies. Raia defended their use, citing their importance in investigations.
Raia also discussed initiatives from the Trump administration targeting drug cartels and gangs. The establishment of the Homeland Security Task Force in January 2025 has facilitated enhanced collaboration between the FBI and agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This cooperation led to the charging of 81 alleged gang members in Puerto Rico with drug trafficking and firearms violations in August.