PORTLAND — Federal agents have arrested 47 gang members in Maine and other New England states as part of a three-month anti-gang “surge,” authorities announced.
Twenty-four of the alleged gang members were arrested on outstanding warrants for a variety of criminal charges, including armed robbery and drug distribution, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations.
The remaining 23 are citizens and nationals of various foreign countries and face potential deportation because of criminal records, including attempted murder, carjacking, assault with dangerous weapons, possession of firearms and narcotics distribution. Foreign nationals who are not being prosecuted on criminal charges are being processed for removal from the United States.
The federal agency did not immediately release the suspects’ names, but described several individuals allegedly members of the True Somali Bloods gang who conduct various criminal activities in the Portland area:
— 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. He was administratively arrested on Aug. 18, 2010, following his conviction for unlawful trafficking in narcotics. His most recent narcotic-related arrests occurred in November 2009, again for unlawful trafficking in scheduled narcotics, violating conditions of release and refusing to submit to arrest.
— A 25-year-old citizen and national of Somalia who entered the United States seeking asylum. His criminal history began in October 2003 and includes arrests for carrying concealed weapons, two charges for criminal mischief, criminal threatening with a weapon, assault, as well as driving offenses. He was arrested during this operation on a Maine Drug Enforcement warrant.
— A 25-year-old derivative citizen of the United States who was born in Somalia. His criminal history began in 1999 for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and also includes additional arrests for assault, terrorizing, violating conditions of release twice and disorderly conduct. He was also arrested for aggravated drunk driving during the ICE operation.
Regionwide, the sweep also included alleged members of the Bloods, Latin Kings and Gangster Disciples.
“Transnational gang members and their associates are on notice that they will be arrested and brought to justice,” Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE’s Office of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, said in the written announcement.
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