30 Gang Members Arrested in Northern Va. Sweep

Federal and local authorities arrested 30 gang members in three days in northern Virginia as part of an initiative to target foreign-born gang members, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.

"This operation highlights the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement in combating criminal street gangs … These arrests will have a lasting and positive impact in our community,” Sheriff Stan Barry said.

Of the members arrested, nine face criminal charges including re-entry after deportation, assault, grand larceny, carrying concealed weapons and grand larceny, according to authorities. The rest of the 30 arrested were done so on administrative immigration violations.

All but one of the gang members were foreign nationals and face deportation once their prosecution is finished, police said.

Of those arrested, 10 are from Honduras, seven from El Salvador, nine from Guatemala and three from Mexico. All suspects were part of the MS-13, Mexican Pride or Southside Locos gangs, according to ICE.

ICE encourages you to report suspicious activity to ICE’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or visit www.ICE.gov.

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