Sweep of Los Angeles Mara Salvatruchas

Fri16Nov2007

Sweep of Los Angeles Mara Salvatruchas

10:37 H | Topics: Crime - El Salvador - Justice - Los Angeles

A joint effort between the Los Angeles Police Department, Salvadorian authorities and the FBI led what is being called one of the biggest street gang crackdowns in Los Angeles.

Seized during the search for 60 suspects: guns, drugs and $40,000 in cash. But the biggest catch of all: "Oscar Chacon." Though the name is likely an alias, the FBI identifies him as the shot-caller for the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang, known as "MS-13."
Chacon's street name: "Little Man," a Salvadoran national who had been deported at least once, but returned illegally. He was one of dozens taken into custody Thursday morning at five locations.Recent sweeps have targeted MS-13 members in North Hollywood, Rampart District, and Pico-Union.

While some in the Los Angeles area say they are sleeping safer tonight, the LAPD seeks other allged gang members. Previous crackdowns against suspected members of the MS-13 in other states often led to accusations of racial profiling against Latino youths.

Via / ABC 7 and Despierta America Univision