ICE arrests 17 in operation targeting transnational gang members

WICHITA, Kan. - Local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, in close partnership with the Wichita Police Department, made nine arrests Wednesday during an operation targeting violent transnational street gangs and their illegal alien gang members and associates. Eight other arrests were also made during the operation's planning phase.

This is the latest joint local action of an ongoing national ICE effort to target foreign-born gang members. These arrests were made under an ongoing national initiative of ICE's National Gang Unit called "Operation Community Shield," in which ICE partners with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to target the significant public safety threat posed by transnational street gangs. Through Operation Community Shield, the federal government uses its powerful immigration and customs authorities in a coordinated, national campaign against criminal street gangs in the United States.

The operation targeted foreign-born gang members and associates in the Wichita metropolitan area. All those arrested are Mexican men who are illegally residing in the United States. All those arrested have been placed into administrative deportation proceedings. They are all members or associates of the following local street gangs: Kings of Destruction, Players For Life, Sureños-13, and the Vato Loco Boys.

All 17 men had criminal histories; some of their convictions and arrests include: involuntary manslaughter, assault, burglary, unlawful possession of drugs and firearms, and battery. Four of those arrested will be presented to the U.S. Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution; two for re-entering the U.S. after a previous deportation, and two for aggravated identity theft.

"Street gangs pose a growing public safety threat to communities in the Wichita area," said Antonio Farias, resident agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Wichita. "We will use all our law enforcement tools to disrupt the criminal efforts of street gangs that terrorize our communities. We are grateful for our partnership with the Wichita Police Department to help dismantle these transnational criminal organizations."

"Operation Community Shield is a cooperative effort between ICE and the Wichita Police Department to eradicate gang criminal activities from our community," said Norman Williams, Chief of Police in Wichita. "It also conveys a message that law enforcement will work together to ensure the safety and well-being of neighborhoods throughout Wichita".

ICE was assisted in the operation by the Wichita Police Department's Gang and Felony Assault Unit, along with members of the department's SCAT teams and patrol officers.

The National Gang Unit at ICE identifies violent street gangs and develops intelligence on their membership, associates, criminal activities and international movements to deter, disrupt and dismantle gang operations by tracing and seizing cash, weapons and other assets derived from criminal seized activities.

From inception through March 31, 2009, ICE agents working in conjunction with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide have arrested more than 12,500 street gang members and associates belonging to more than 900 different gangs. More than 150 of those arrested were gang leaders and 2,272 were MS-13 members or associates.

Only 6 Days, 14 Hours, 06 Minutes, 19 Seconds Left
To Take Action and Save Your Money From Destruction!

Dear Newsmax Patriot,

With each day that passes we find ourselves falling deeper and deeper into the clutches of socialism.

Our once proud nation is quickly turning into the land of Corporate Welfare. You are lucky the Obama Administration hasn’t already taken every dime you’ve scrimped to save and given it to their backdoor dealing friends on Wall Street. It’s not for their lack of effort though.

President Obama is cutting checks out of your bank account and giving them directly to the financial “used car salesmen” that handed your friends and family their toxic mortgages.

And those big, Wall Street institutions that short sold your 401k into oblivion? They have their hands out too . . . and guess what? President Obama is going to continue to give them your money as well. Why not? He’s already handed out about $3 trillion. Why stop now?

Do you know that the entire federal government didn’t spend $3 trillion in 2008 and as of the end of this past March we were already on the verge of surpassing that figure in 2009.

You’ve spent your life working and scraping together every penny you could save and now it’s being paid out to these crooks two times. First with their corporate bailouts. And then with the 7 and 8-figure bonuses they have no problem cashing at your expense.

Don’t worry though! Our economy will correct itself because President Obama is going to fix our sweeping unemployment, right?

Well if you are one of the 12 million illegal immigrants he’s looking to find jobs for yes . . . but if you are an Average American . . . sorry you are out of luck.

I’m angry . . . and I’m guessing so are you.

But before today there wasn’t much you could do about it. How could your voice be heard over all of the cheering and celebrity praise for our “Rock Star” president?

No longer will our message fall on deaf ears.

Today I’m calling out for you to join me as I set forth a plan to retake the money and financial opportunities that have been stolen from you.

At noon, on May 7th, I’ll be hosting a National Webcast to reveal a blueprint for how you can save your nest egg and investments from utter oblivion.

I’m gathering the Nation’s best (and unbiased) minds on finance and together we’ll hand you a free roadmap to financial recovery. Former CNN anchor, Bob Losure will join me to help moderate this ground-breaking event.

This won’t be some retread of the garbage “solutions” you are fed by the mainstream media . . . I’ll be sharing specific points you can implement into your portfolio immediately to start to gain back everything you’ve lost.

And on this webcast, I will be making an announcement that will absolutely shock you into action . . . I promise it.

Attendance is free. I owe it to you for being a loyal Newsmax follower. I read your emails. I understand your fears of the future. I want to help.

But space is limited, which is why I need you to lock in your spot for the webcast below:

* Required
*First Name:
*E-mail Address:

Starting on April 23rd, I will open up access for you to a 100% FREE, password protected website my team is creating. Here you can view members-only videos and content aimed at fixing your finances and protecting you from President Obama’s greedy hands.

I’ll even be hosting “live blog” events where you can talk directly to me and my team. You will not find any of the information on this site on Newsmax.com, or anywhere else for that matter. This website is only for those who are committed to reclaiming this country and the money you are owed for your dedication and service.

By signing up for the webcast, you will be granted V.I.P access to this website at no charge whatsoever.

Together we will take back what’s rightfully ours . . . the American Dream we were raised to be proud of. Not this path towards Socialism we are being force fed now.

When we unite as one we are too strong to ignore.

To Your Success,

Christopher Ruddy
Founder and CEO
Newsmax Publishing

P.S. — I need you to get the word out to your fellow conservative and common sense minded friends. Send this page to your friends, family, and neighbors. Post this page on your Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you have a blog, please link to this page.

On May 7th, I’ll show you exactly how to turn Wall Street on its back when you recoup all that you’ve lost while you bank profits like you’ve never seen before. And I’ll make an announcement you will be shocked and excited to hear.

Take a few moments to sign up below . . .

* Required
*First Name:
*E-mail Address:

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.