Of those arrested, 42 were gang members and four were gang associates. ICE did not release the complete list of suspects and personal information.
However, ICE did say that 33 of those arrested are illegally residing in the United States and will face removal proceedings. Those arrested are members of the MS-13, Sureno 12, DDP, Trinitarios [violent New York gang composed predominantly of Dominicans], Gran Familia Mexicana [Great Mexican Family], Los Pitufos [The Smurfs], and Blood street gangs.
They are from El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Dominican Republic and the Philippines. Three cases will be presented for federal prosecution. Furthermore, one firearm and numerous items of gang paraphernalia were seized.
The operation, which ended on June 20, was the result of an extensive collaborative effort between ICE Gang Investigation Group special agents and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Each of those arrested was targeted for his membership, participation or association with violent street gangs.
Participating in the operation were the Union City Police Department, Morris County Park Police, Bound Brook Police Department, Red Bank Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, West New York Police Department, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
"ICE has unique immigration and customs law enforcement authorities which complement the authorities of our federal, state and local partners," said Peter T. Edge, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Newark. "ICE is determined to remove dangerous gang members and their associates. I look forward to many more cooperative operations with ICE in the future."
"We appreciate ICE's cooperation and effort and their assistance in ridding our small town of this national problem," said Lt. Kevin Rivenbark, Bound Brook Police Department. "Gangs are a growing problem in the state and our small town."
Since ICE began Operation Community Shield in February 2005, more than 12,968 gang members belonging to hundreds of different gangs have been arrested, including a total of 2,319 MS-13 gang members and associates. Of those arrested, 5,029 have violent criminal histories and 4,953 have criminal violations.
