Scores of suspected Southland gang members were arrested by federal immigration authorities during a six-week operation targeting transnational criminal gangs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday.
The Operation Wildfire probe, which ran from Feb. 23 to March 31, led to the arrests of 87 suspects tied to more than 40 street gangs in the Los Angeles area, including Barrio Van Nuys, the Eastside Wilmas and 18th Street, according to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Of those taken into custody in the Los Angeles area, 70 are being charged criminally, primarily with state violations. The remaining arrestees, including foreign nationals from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, were processed on administrative immigration violations and will now face deportation, according to the agency.
Among those arrested was a suspected member of the Diamond Street gang taken into custody March 3 at a Los Angeles home that investigators allege was being used to distribute methamphetamine.
The home, located within 100 yards of a school, had a steel-reinforced front door, and the suspect is charged with using a fortified residence for narcotics trafficking.
Also arrested locally during the probe was a Paca Flats gang member with prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and possession of methamphetamine. The 25-year-old was taken into custody March 16 at a residence in Arleta for violating the terms of his parole, according to ICE.
“Criminal gangs inflict violence and fear upon our communities and without the attention of law enforcement, these groups can spread like a cancer,” said ICE Director Sarah R. Saldana. “That’s why ICE works with law enforcement partners around the country to stamp out gang activity wherever it takes place.”
— City News Service