Inside ICE: Volume 2, Issue 17

Gang Members Indicted on RICO Charges

ATLANTA, Ga. — An ICE-led investigation has resulted in a federal racketeering indictment against 18 members of a violent street gang known as "Sureños-13," or "SUR-13."

The indictment, brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, charges most of the defendants with being part of a racketeering conspiracy. The remaining defendants are changed with violent crimes related to racketeering. As of August 8, 16 of those indicted had been arrested.

The indictment charges a variety of violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, carjacking, armed robbery, and drug dealing. The indictment also charges eight defendants with conspiring to possess and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. Four are charged with armed carjacking, and 12 defendants with firearms charges related to violent crimes and drug trafficking.

The indictment was part of a two-year investigation into the activities of SUR-13. In addition to this indictment, the operation included the arrest and federal prosecution of seven other SUR-13 gang members, the deportation of 40 members and the seizure of 13 firearms and $7,000 in cash over the course of the investigation.

Also arrested this weekend were approximately 11 SUR-13 members and associates who were residing illegally in the U.S. and who will likely face administrative deportation.

ICE Atlanta Special Agent-in- Charge Kenneth Smith said, “The success of this joint operation can be attributed to the cooperation and commitment of several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the Atlanta area. By targeting the leadership of this criminal organization, we will have a significant impact on their illegal activities, resulting in safer neighborhoods and communities. ICE is proud to be part of this collaborative effort."

For ICE, the case falls under Operation Community Shield, a nationwide ICE anti-gang initiative intended to disrupt, dismantle and assist in the criminal prosecution of violent gangs by employing the full range of authorities available to ICE.

ICE uses its broad immigration authorities (both criminal and administrative) against gang members, as well as its customs authorities in targeting gang-related narcotics smuggling and money laundering, and in seeking the forfeiture of illegally derived assets.

ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the case in Atlanta. The Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett County police departments in Georgia assisted in the investigation.

This joint investigation is typical of Operation Community Shield, which involves strong partnerships and cooperation with existing federal, state and local anti-gang efforts. Such partnerships are essential to the success of the initiative and to ensure officer safety during operations. ICE uses intelligence on gang organizations and leadership provided by state and local authorities.

ICE offices abroad also play an important role in Operation Community Shield by coordinating efforts with foreign governments that also face challenging gang problems.

The initial target of Operation Community Shield was MS-13, which is one of the largest and most violent street gangs in the country. In February, ICE kicked off the initiative, resulting in the arrest of 103 members of MS-13. In May 2005, ICE expanded Operation Community Shield to include all criminal street gangs and prison gangs with foreign-born members. More than 1,000 gang members have now been arrested.

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Inside ICE is an e-newsletter produced by the ICE Office of Public Affairs to inform the public about the mission, operations and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Please send comments and contributions to Russ Bergeron, Editor.

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Russ Bergeron, Editor
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