WASHINGTON, April 9 (UPI) -- Nearly 1,000 suspected gang members were arrested Thursday in scores of U.S. cities following a six-week federal investigation into alleged gang activity.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the investigation spanned February 23 through March 31 and targeted cities that included Los Angeles, San Juan, Puerto Rico and El Paso, Texas. Headed by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, Project Wildfire focused on 239 alleged gangs in 282 cities. Of the 976 arrested, 913 were charged with offenses that include murder and rape.
In addition, agents confiscated drugs that included methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Nearly $400,000 in cash and $550,000 in counterfeit goods were seized.
"Criminal gangs inflict violence and fear upon our communities, and without the attention of law enforcement, these groups can spread like a cancer," said ICE Director Sarah R. Saldaña in a written statement.
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Investigators said 199 foreign nationals were among those arrested, from 18 countries in South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.
Of the cities targeted, Lubbock, Texas led the nation in arrests as a result of the nationwide sweep. With 122 arrests from the operation, officials said gang activity is an increasing crime in the city of about 300,000.
ICE said the suspected gangs involved in Lubbock include Bloods, Crips Rolling 60s, Mexican Mafia, Sureños, West Texas, Raza Unida, Aryan Brotherhood, White Aryan Resistance, West Side, Gangster Disciples, Peckerwood, Texas Syndicate and West Texas Tango.
Other arrests as a result of the operation include the following:
-- In Puerto Rico and Central Florida, 46 alleged members of Zorrilla were arrested on charges that include narcotics distribution and money laundering.
-- In the Detroit area, agents arrested 89 suspected gang members and associates with alleged ties to gangs that include Latin Counts, Folk Nation, Sureños and Atherton Terrace.
-- In Chicago, 30 suspected gang members and affiliates were arrested. Suspected gang ties include Sureños 13, Latin Kings, La Raza, Conservative Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, 4 Corner Hustlers, Maniac Latin Disciples and Vice Lords.
-- In California's Imperial Valley area, 28 people, including 10 with alleged gang ties, were arrested. Suspected gangs include Brole, North Side Centro, West Side Centro, South Side Centro and Pilgrim Street.
