Mexican cartelsDHS takes down suspected Mexican gang members in New York
On 16 November DHS agents arrested twenty-five suspected members of the Mexican Los Vagos gang on a variety of charges including murder conspiracy, assault, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, and immigration violations. Los Vagos allegedly used drug trafficking and violence to defend their turf from the Latin Kings, a rival gang
Tattoo typically worn by members of the Los Vagos Mexican gang // Source: ibtimes.com
On 16 November DHS agents arrested twenty-five suspected members of the Mexican Los Vagos gang on a variety of charges including murder conspiracy, assault, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, and immigration violations.
“The gang members we arrested today are career criminals, alleged murderers, drug dealers, and robbers who created a climate of fear in numerous communities throughout New York City,” saidJames T. Hayes, Jr., special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York. “Their era of control is over.”
According to authorities, Los Vagos members routinely engaged in violenceto defend their turf from the Latin Kings, a rival gang. “We learned through the use of federal wiretaps that individuals actually shot at rival gang members. Actually, on one occasion, they hit a rival gang member but did not kill the individual. Their intent was not just to scare but to kill,” said Hayes.
During a year-long investigation reminiscent of the popular HBO series “The Wire,” ICE HSI and the NYPD used wiretaps, a confidential informant, and firearm seizures to build their case.
“As alleged, these defendants were part of a dangerous and deadly criminal organization that used threats, intimidation and extreme violence to protect their turf,” said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of New York’s Southern District. “Today’s charges are an important step forward in dismantling this ruthless gang and disrupting their reign of terror. Our campaign to rid the streets of New York of violent gangs and to return the neighborhoods they infest to their residents continues.”
Nine of the alleged members were charged by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office with participating in a racketeering enterprise under federal RICO laws. Eight of the defendants were also charged with using, carrying, discharging, brandishing, and possessing firearms
Initiations into the gang were referred to as “baptisms” and involved the severe beating of prospective members.
Los Vagos members “tagged” their territory with graffiti that included phrases like “VGS” (short for Vagos), “VGS-116” (short for Vagos, 116th Street), or “10 MDS” (short for ten mandamientos, or ten commandments).
Six of the men arrested were in the country illegally and authorities are moving to deport them.
“In our mind, we are getting them right before they take the next step and put innocent civilians and sometimes members of their own immigrant communities in danger,” said Hayes.
In addition to dealing drugs and engaging in violence, the suit alleges that the gang’s leaders, Juan R. Climico and Jesus Martinez, directed Los Vargos members to extort or rob individuals living in the East Harlem and Bronx neighborhoods the group controlled to finance its activities. The gang also routinely collected dues, which were used to purchase firearms, aid incarcerated members, or help deported members re-enter the United States illegally.
