WMTV
Friday, August 20, 2010
U.S. Immigration Officers Lead Sweep
Those arrested include 28 known gang members from several gangs including the Bloods, MS 13, 18th Street, Latin Kings and Vatos Locos.
Of the 47 people arrested, 24 were arrested on local or state warrants, and 23 were citizens and nationals of various foreign countries. Those arrested had criminal histories of violent crimes including attempted murder, car jacking, assault and battery with dangerous weapons, assault to rape, possession of firearms, as well as narcotics distribution.
The foreign nationals who are not being prosecuted on criminal charges are being processed for removal from the United States.
The people arrested in Maine include:
A 22-year-old citizen and national of Somalia who entered the United States seeking asylum and then became involved with the True Somali Bloods Bloods, who conduct various criminal activities in the Portland area. He was arrested on Aug. 18 following his conviction for unlawful trafficking in narcotics.
His arrests and convictions began in April 2006 on charges of refusing to submit to arrest and violations of conditions of release. In May 2006, he was then arrested on charges of violating conditions of release and again in December 2006 on charges of unlawful trafficking in scheduled narcotics, as well as for possession of narcotics. His most recent narcotics-related arrest occurred in November 2009 on charges of unlawful trafficking in scheduled narcotics, violating conditions of release and refusing to submit to arrest.
A 25-year-old national of Somalia who entered the United States seeking asylum and has since adjusted to a refugee. He is a member of the True Somali Blood street gang involved in criminal gang activities in the Portland area. His criminal history began in October 2003 and includes arrests on charges of carrying concealed weapons, two charges for criminal mischief, criminal threatening with a weapon, assault, as well as driving offenses. He was most recently arrested on a Maine drug enforcement warrant.
A 25-year-old citizen of the United States who was born in Somalia and was a member of the True Somali Blood street gang. He also has been involved in criminal gang activities in the Portland area. His criminal history began in 1999 with arrests on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and also includes arrests on charges of assault, terrorizing, violating conditions of release twice and disorderly conduct. He was arrested by ICE on charges of aggravated DUI.
"ICE and our law enforcement partners in New England are determined to rid our streets of criminals such as these," said Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE's Office of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. "Transnational gang members and their associates are on notice that they will be arrested and brought to justice."
Source: WMTV