‘Operation Matador’ nets 45 gang arrests in New York City in 30 day stretch

By Brian Seay

Federal immigration officials on Wednesday announced the arrest of 39 MS-13 gang members in New York City over a monthlong stretch.
A total of 45 gang members were arrested during the effort, according to a press release from U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The arrests were part of Operation Matador, a multi-agency initiative including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, the Transnational Organized Crime Initiative, and local law enforcement agencies.
All 45 arrestees were men. They were nationals from four different countries: 27 from El Salvador, 11 from Honduras, 5 from Mexico, and 2 from Guatemala.
Several of the men arrested had prior felony weapons charges.
“These individuals are members of a violent street gang actively wreaking havoc in the community,” said Thomas R. Decker, field office director for ERO New York. “This unified effort is about keeping New York citizens safe.”
Two members of the Sureños gang were arrested. Other arrestees were members of the 18th Street Gang, the Latin Kings and Los Niños Malos.
“Individuals are confirmed as gang members if they admit membership in a gang, have been convicted of violating … any federal or state law criminalizing or imposing civil consequences for gang-related activity, or if they meet certain other criteria such as having

Source: Guns.com