This time the operation went down in New Orleans. Similar to the Chicago bust last week, ICE and local law enforcement agencies conducted a three-day operation in which 28 gang members or associates were arrested. These individuals have connections to the MS-13 and Latin Kings street gangs. Five of those arrested face federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, fraud, and misuse of visas and misuse of social security cards. Re-entry after deportation is a federal violation that carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
If you missed our previous post on the topic ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies around the country to deter, disrupt and dismantle gang operations. This cooperative is called Operation Community Shield and it began in February 2005. Since its inception ICE special agents nationwide have arrested more than 18,000 gang members and gang associates.