Thread: I.C.E. gang surge nets 102 arrests in Phoenix, Yuma

I.C.E. News Release

August 24, 2010

I.C.E. gang surge nets 102 arrests in Phoenix, Yuma

PHOENIX - A total of 102 individuals with ties to 19 different street gangs are facing criminal charges or deportation following a six-day, multi-agency enforcement action in Phoenix and Yuma, Ariz. spearheaded by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The arrests were made as part of Operation Community Shield, an ongoing initiative by ICE-HSI's National Gang Unit in which the agency uses its powerful immigration and customs authorities in a coordinated strategy to attack and dismantle criminal street gangs across the country. As part of the initiative, ICE partners with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to target the significant public safety threat posed by transnational gangs.

Of the gang members and gang associates arrested during the enforcement action that concluded late Saturday, 29 are currently facing prosecution on state criminal charges, including outstanding warrants for gang-related violations. Three of the subjects arrested will also be presented to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution for felony re-entry after deportation, a federal violation that carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

"Gang activity poses one of the greatest threats to public safety in Arizona communities," said Matt Allen, special agent in charge for ICE-HSI in Arizona. "ICE is successfully targeting these gangs, arresting their leaders, disrupting their operations, and putting their members and associates behind bars."

Among those arrested during the enforcement action in Phoenix was a 33-year-old Mexican gang member in Mesa whose criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated assault in 2007. Another of the individuals taken into custody was a 27-year-old member of a Chandler gang wanted for burglary in California. The California Department of Corrections agreed to extradite Miguel Angel Lopez-Zuniga, who was booked into the Maricopa County Jail to await transfer to California.

In Yuma, ICE agents arrested gang member Fernando Ulloa, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen, on Arizona state charges related to a conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering. Agents also arrested gang member Claudio Garcia, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen, for contempt of court.

Twenty-six of the gang members and gang associates arrested during the operation are U.S. citizens. The remaining 76 individuals are foreign nationals. The majority of the foreign nationals are from Mexico (58), but the group also includes citizens from Guatemala and Honduras. Those foreign nationals who are not being prosecuted on criminal charges are being processed for removal from the United States.

Since Operation Community Shield began in February 2005, ICE agents nationwide have arrested more than 18,000 gang members and gang associates. As part of the effort, HSI's National Gang Unit identifies violent street gangs and develops intelligence on their membership, associates, criminal activities and international movements to deter, disrupt and dismantle gang operations. Transnational street gangs have significant numbers of foreign-born members and are frequently involved in human and contraband smuggling, immigration violations and other crimes with a connection to the border.

To report suspicious activity, call ICE's 24-hour toll-free hotline at: 1-866-347-2423 or visit www.ice.gov .

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 24, 2010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1008/100824phoenix.htm

Customs operation nets arrests of 102 tied to Phoenix, Yuma gangs

by Salvador Rodriguez -
Aug. 24, 2010 01:31 PM
The Arizona Republic .

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Tuesday the arrest of more than 100 people in Phoenix and Yuma with ties to 19 street gangs.

The 102 arrests were part of an initiative by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, named Operation Community Shield, to dismantle streets gangs nationwide. The arrests were made from Aug. 15 to Saturday

Vincent Picard, ICE spokesman, said the surge was one of the largest Arizona has seen recently and was larger than any last year.

Sixty-four of the arrests occurred in the Valley, with 39 in Mesa, eight in Phoenix and Chandler each, and three each in Tempe, Apache Junction and Guadalupe.

Of the arrested, 26 are U.S. citizens while 76 are foreign nationals.

The U.S. citizens and three of the foreign nationals face prosecution on state criminal charges while the others are being processed for removal from the country.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoe ... -abrk.html

How many of those "American Citizens" arrested are anchor babies?

As I have previously mentioned numerous times, those deported will be back in the country by dinnertime. With no will from this so called administration to secure the border, all the deportations in the world are just an exercise in futility. Theyrrrrreeeeee baaaaaaaaaaaack.....

102 Gang Members Arrested During ICE Operation

Updated: Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 5:18 PM MDT
Published : Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 5:18 PM MDT

PHOENIX - A six-day initiative in Arizona has netted 102 suspects with ties to 19 different street gangs -- most of whom are in the country illegally.

The gang crackdown, which took place in Phoenix and Yuma, was led by ICE and Homeland Security. 'Operation Community Shield' aims to attack and dismantle criminal street gangs across the country. ICE teamed up with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for the bust, which wrapped up Saturday.

Of the 102 arrests, 29 are facing prosecution under for gang-related state charges, which 3 could be prosecuted for felony re-entry after deportation.

26 of those arrested are U.S. citizens -- the remaining 76 are foreign nationals mainly from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. The suspects who are not prosecuted on criminal charges will be deported.

In Mesa, a 33-year-old Mexican gang member who was convicted of aggravated assault in 2007 was arrested. In Chandler, a 27-year-old gang member named Miguel Angel Lopez-Zuniga, was arrested, wanted for burglary in California. He'll be extradited.

Paulino Harrison was arrested for violating conditions of his parole (pictured).

Operation Community Shield began in 2005 and ever since, 18,000 gang members and associates have been arrested.

Transnational street gangs are often involved in human and drug smuggling, immigration violations, and other border crimes.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/im ... -8-24-2010

Originally Posted by dgremark

How many of those "American Citizens" arrested are anchor babies?

Exactly It's the ANCHORS that have no respect for ANYTHING AMERICAN. They are helping to destroy the very fabric of our nation.... TS