Thread: Rep: Terrorist gang could infiltrate border

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegio ... leid=71524

Rep: Terrorist gang could infiltrate border
By Michele McPhee
Friday, March 4, 2005

The borders of the United States remain vulnerable to both al-Qaeda terrorists and the ruthless MS-13 gang members suspected of helping them slip into the country, a Texas congressman testified on Capitol Hill yesterday.

``The southern border is literally under siege,'' U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) told members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims. ``And there is a real possibility that terrorists - particularly al-Qaeda forces - could exploit this series of holes in our law enforcement system.''

In January, the Herald reported that law enforcement officials have stepped up their efforts against MS-13 after the gang was linked to al-Qaeda in Central America.

The federal government has earmarked $10 million to create a National Gang Task Force created specifically to decimate MS-13, FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Committee on Intelligence on Feb. 16.

In 2000, Boston police Sgt. Detective Joseph Fiandaca created a similar initiative, the North Shore Gang Intelligence Task Force, made up of investigators from 14 local and national agencies who meet monthly to share intelligence on MS-13.

``Boston-area police have arrested a number of MS-13 gang members who are tearing through their community there,'' Ortiz said.

Two members of the East Boston sect of MS-13 returned to the area earlier this year after being deported as criminals.

Elmer ``Tiger'' Tejada, 24, was arrested New Year's Day in Lynn, a year after he was deported for a slew of crimes including hurling a machete at Chelsea cops. The other gang member remains at large.

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegio ... leid=71524

Rep: Terrorist gang could infiltrate border
By Michele McPhee
Friday, March 4, 2005

The borders of the United States remain vulnerable to both al-Qaeda terrorists and the ruthless MS-13 gang members suspected of helping them slip into the country, a Texas congressman testified on Capitol Hill yesterday.

``The southern border is literally under siege,'' U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) told members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims. ``And there is a real possibility that terrorists - particularly al-Qaeda forces - could exploit this series of holes in our law enforcement system.''

In January, the Herald reported that law enforcement officials have stepped up their efforts against MS-13 after the gang was linked to al-Qaeda in Central America.

The federal government has earmarked $10 million to create a National Gang Task Force created specifically to decimate MS-13, FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Committee on Intelligence on Feb. 16.

In 2000, Boston police Sgt. Detective Joseph Fiandaca created a similar initiative, the North Shore Gang Intelligence Task Force, made up of investigators from 14 local and national agencies who meet monthly to share intelligence on MS-13.

``Boston-area police have arrested a number of MS-13 gang members who are tearing through their community there,'' Ortiz said.

Two members of the East Boston sect of MS-13 returned to the area earlier this year after being deported as criminals.

Elmer ``Tiger'' Tejada, 24, was arrested New Year's Day in Lynn, a year after he was deported for a slew of crimes including hurling a machete at Chelsea cops. The other gang member remains at large.