Omaha Immigration Sweep Targets Gang Members (WOWT-Omaha, NE)

Omaha Immigration Sweep Targets Gang Members

Posted: 10:47 AM Oct 1, 2008
Last Updated: 11:13 AM Oct 1, 2008
Reporter: Dennis Wilden
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

A special law enforcement operation targeting illegal immigrants with ties to violent street gangs has resulted in the arrest of 17 people in Omaha and Council Bluffs. The special operation took place last week between Tuesday and Thursday but results were only made available Wednesday, October 1st.

The 17 arrested include eight gang members and four gang associates of the MS-13, Sureños, Rebels and MBC gangs. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents also arrested five illegal immigrants with no known gang affiliation who were encountered during the targeted arrests. Sixteen of the arrests were in Omaha; one was in Council Bluffs. Eleven of those arrested have been convicted previously of crimes that include: assault, possessing narcotics and distributing narcotics.

Six of those apprehended have been referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska, for possible criminal prosecution for a variety of offenses. One has been referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa, for possible prosecution. Three of those arrested were previously deported. It is a felony to re-enter the United States after being formally deported punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.