Nationwide ICE operation results in 1,378 arrests of gang members, immigration violators

A six-week, nationwide gang operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit netted a total of 1,378 arrests across the country, the largest such operation conducted by HSI to date.

In total 1,098 individuals were arrested on federal or state criminal charges, including 21 murder charges and seven rape charges. Of the arrested individuals, 933 were U.S. citizens, while 445 came from foreign countries in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The remaining 280 individuals were arrested on administrative immigration charges.

Of those arrested on federal or state charges, all but three individuals were confirmed as gang members, including 137 Bloods members, 118 Sureños members, 104 MS-13 members, and 104 Crips members.

“Gangs threaten the safety of our communities, not just in major metropolitan areas but in our suburbs and rural areas, too,” Acting Director of ICE Thomas Homan said. “Gang-related violence and criminal activity present an ongoing challenge for law enforcement everywhere. Our efforts to dismantle gangs are much more effective in areas where partnership with local law enforcement is strongest.”

Three individuals arrested during the operation previously held deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act. Due to ICE’s determination that each individual may pose a threat to national security, however, each had their deferred status revoked.

A total of ten individuals crossed the southern U.S. border as unaccompanied minors, nine of which were confirmed as gang members.

Throughout the nationwide operation, officers also seized a total of 238 firearms, 790 ounces of cocaine, 546 ounces of methamphetamine, 113 ounces of heroin, 1.59 ounces of fentanyl, and 8,019 ounces of marijuana.