Texas DPS Takes Down Nearly 70 Most Wanted Criminals in 2025

As we enter 2026, it's a good time to reflect on 2025 and some of its notable accomplishments. Crime doesn't stop, and our law enforcement in Texas stayed busy throughout 2025. The Texas Department of Public Safety keeps a list of the most wanted fugitives in Texas. They work hard to crack down on these criminals and put them back behind bars. These lists are broken down into the most wanted criminals, the most wanted sex offenders, and the most wanted criminal illegal immigrants.

Texas Crime Statistics

Looking at a few Texas Crime Stats in Q1 of 2025, Texas saw a decrease in total crime compared to 2024. Some of the significant crime decreases were seen with a 29.63% drop in West Texas and a 24.64% drop in the Texas Panhandle. Q2 crime stats also showed an overall drop in crime, with Fort Worth seeing a 14.3% drop in overall crime.  As of the publication date of this article, Q3 and Q4 reports were not available online.

In 2025, Texas DPS was able to capture 65 fugitives and help bring them to justice. Their crimes ranged from violent offenses, including murder, robbery, sexual assault, and repeat felonies. Out of the 65 most wanted criminals captured in 2025, 11 of those were due to anonymous tips made through Texas Crime Stoppers. Eleven cash rewards were paid out to those who helped law enforcement apprehend these criminals.

Breakdown of 2025 Captures

Each of these criminals was considered armed and dangerous and was a threat to our society. Through the work of the Texas DPS and the help of law enforcement agencies across Texas and other states, these men were captured.

Why These Arrests Matter

Unfortunately, crime doesn't stop, and until it does, the Texas DPS will remain vigilant in capturing some of the most wanted and dangerous criminals that are hiding out in Texas and continuing to break the law. Even though 65 of these criminals were apprehended, many remain at large, and many more will continue to appear on these most wanted criminal lists. Luckily, we have great law enforcement in the State of Texas and vigilant citizens to help combat criminal activity in the state.

Read More: TX Criminal Record Consequences: Job, Housing, and License Denial

The Role of Crime Stoppers

Texas residents are also instrumental when it comes to the capture of these criminals.  That's where Texas Crime Stoppers and other Crime Stoppers organizations in the state come into play. The sole role of Crime Stoppers is to help reduce crime and help law enforcement to arrest criminals through anonymous tips from citizens.

Read More: Texas Recidivism Rate: How Often Do Texas Criminals Return to Prison

The best we can do is remain vigilant as citizens, and if you know something, say something. Who knows, it could pay off, and you could walk away with a pretty hefty reward.