WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coordinated federal operation in the Washington, D.C. metro area led to the arrest of 15 suspected gang members, including affiliates of the transnational gangs TdA and MS-13, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.
The operation, conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group-BORTAC and the USBP National Gang Unit, was carried out in conjunction with the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities said the arrests targeted individuals allegedly involved in active criminal activity.
Key Points
- 15 suspected gang members arrested in federal sweep in Washington, D.C. metro area.
- Operation involved USBP BORTAC, National Gang Unit, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations.
- Firearm recovered; suspects include 14 TdA members and one MS-13 affiliate.
According to Chief Michael W. Banks, head of the U.S. Border Patrol, the enforcement action resulted in the apprehension of 14 members of TdA and one MS-13 member. A firearm was also recovered during the operation.
No additional details regarding the nature of the alleged criminal activity or the identities of the individuals taken into custody were immediately released.
Federal officials have not disclosed the exact location within the D.C. metro area where the arrests occurred or whether any charges have been formally filed.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to disrupt gang operations and criminal networks believed to be operating across state and national borders.