263 Arrested In Gang Sweep: MS-13 Members Busted All Over U.S.

263 were arrested in a massive gang sweep this summer, according to a statement released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency Friday.

Federal agents were targeting members of the violent MS-13 street gang in July and early August, and managed to pick up suspects all over the nation wanted for murder, assault, sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping charges, reports CNN.

Among the 263 arrested, 158 were charged as members and associates of MS-13 while 105 others are alleged members of other gangs. The gang sweep also nabbed 84 non-gang members wanted on various criminal charges, as well as 14 wanted for immigration violations, reports Fox 2.

Special agents were also able to recover a number of firearms, 10 kilos or marijuana, 123 grams of cocaine, 770 grams of heroin, and over $22,000 in cash.

This isn’t the only gang-related bust this year. In June, authorities also arrested 30 alleged members of the Texas prison gang Mexican Mafia for ferrying drugs over the border into the U.S. for the Zetas cartel.

“We will not tolerate any type of gang activity or organized crime,” said DEA Special Agent In charge Javier Pena. “If they are working an area we’re going to target them.”

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is described by agency officials as “one of the most dangerous transnational criminal gangs in the world today.” They originated in Los Angeles in the 1980’s, but have since spread to Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Additionally, they boast a strong presence all over the United States.

Gang membership is estimated at over 70,000, so 263 arrested might not slow them down for long. You can watch a documentary about MS-13 below:

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