http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/ ... xml&coll=1

11 Hispanics arrested as illegal aliens in Decatur are termed gang members
City police work with federal agents in nationwide hunt
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
By CHRISTOPHER BELL
Times Staff Writer chrisb@htimes.com

DECATUR - Eleven Hispanics were identified by authorities as gang members after their arrests in Decatur Tuesday as illegal aliens, police said.

Two other Hispanics who were also arrested are accused of aiding others in escaping detention in recent weeks.

The city's anti-crime unit worked with the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs in locating illegal aliens, authorities said. Last week the bureau began a nationwide program called "Community Shield."

The 13 arrested in Decatur Tuesday were transferred to a federal holding facility at the Etowah County Jail at Gadsden.

Federal agents arrested at least 30 Hispanics last week in three suburbs near Birmingham. Authorities said the arrests were intended to fight gangs.

This spring, numerous Decatur residents complained to police about gangs in the Hispanic community. Federal agents have been riding with Decatur police in recent weeks identifying alleged gang members. One of the males arrested Tuesday had a prior felony charge and is suspected of kidnapping, extortion and the trafficking of illegal immigrants in the country, authorities said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.