N.W. Arkansas: 41 illegal aliens arrested, suspected of gang ties

by Michelle Bradford: Federal immigration agents working with local police said Tuesday that they arrested 41 illegal aliens with gang ties in Northwest Arkansas last week. U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a gang “surge” in Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville and Fayetteville, said Rod Reyes, resident agent of the immigration agency based in Fort Smith. The operation ran seven days and ended Sunday. Most arrests were in Rogers and Springdale, Reyes said. Suspects have ties to three Mexican gangs - the Mexican Mafia, Sureno 13 and Latin Kings - and with an El Savadoran gang, Mara Salvatrucha, he said. Some face only deportation, while others will be charged federally for re-entering the country after already being deported, and for weapons and drug possession. . . .

Other key points in the article:

• Illegals who weren't wanted for serious crimes weren't arrested
• Those arrested were living and probably working in the community.
• Most arrests were in Rogers and Springdale
• Roundup was in response to requests by local police.
• Many arrested were charged with violating parole.
• Some gang members targeted had already moved and that the gang element tends to be a population that moves often.

. . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Arkansas, cimes by illegals, gangs, illegal aliens