ICE-led gang surge nets 1,378 arrests nationwide
Contributed Article
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Contributed Photo/Courtesy ICE: An HSI Special Agent interviews an individual after his arrest.
Numerous state, local and federal law enforcement partners, including ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), participated in the HSI-led operation, which ran March 26 to May 6.
“HSI is committed to combatting gang violence and criminal activity in Arizona,”said Scott Brown, special agent in charge of HSI Phoenix. “The success of this operation is directly attributed to the ongoing collaboration with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Together, we dealt a serious blow to gang members and other serious criminals as we strive to make our communities safer.”
Of the 16 gang members locally arrested, 12 are U.S . citizens and four are foreign nationals, two of which are wanted in connection with homicides committed in the U.S .
One of the many individuals encountered by HSI Phoenix special agents is a U.S . citizen and member of the Aryan Brotherhood who was arrested in Surprise, Arizona, after barricading himself inside his home.
Individuals are confirmed as gang members if they admit membership in a gang; have been convicted of violating Title 18 USC 521 or any other federal or state law criminalizing or imposing civil consequences for gang-related activity; or if they meet a combination of other criteria, such as having tattoos identifying a specific gang or being identified as a gang member by a reliable source.
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Contributed Photo/Courtesy ICE: An HSI Special Agent surveys gang graffiti, or “tagging” from the Sureno gang.
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Michael Johnson Photo/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Packaged marijuana was seized as part Project Shadowfire.
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Michael Johnson Photo/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Several firearms were seized in the crackdown.
![](https://gilavalleycentral.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ICE-check-for-tatoos.jpg)
Contributed Photo/Courtesy ICE: An HSI Special Agent inspects an arrested individual’s tattoos for signs of gang affiliation.