** NOTE -- This is not the same as the other Texas story that mentions 81. That operation took place in North Texas **


80 suspected gang members busted in federal sweep through Southeast Texas

06:04 PM CDT on Tuesday, June 30, 2009

By Michelle Homer / khou.com

HOUSTON — Federal agents arrested dozens of suspected street gang members, gang associates and immigration status violators during a five-day sweep through Houston, Beaumont and Corpus Christi.

U.S. Immigration and Customs agents busted a total of 116 suspects, including 80 identified as gang members.

The gang members are linked to at least 14 street gangs, including: Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Surenos Trece, Aryan Brotherhood, Latin Kings, La Raza13, Black Disciples, Houstone, Tango Blast, Bloods and Crips to name a fewl, according to federal investigators.

The arrests were part of an ongoing initiative called Operation Community Shield.

Since Operation Community Shield began in February 2005, ICE agents nationwide have arrested more than 13,000 gang members and gang associates linked to more than 900 different gangs. More than 150 of those arrested were gang leaders.

“ICE uses all of the available law enforcement tools to dismantle violent street gangs,â€