ICE arrests 157 suspected gang members on LI

The federal Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday the results of its recent Long Island crackdown on illegal immigrants. Immigration agents

News 12 Staff

Oct 2, 2007, 12:49 AM

Updated 6,271 days ago

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The federal Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday the results of its recent Long Island crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Immigration agents arrested 186 undocumented individuals on the Island, according to ICE's Peter Smith. Smith said 157 of those - 65 in Suffolk and 92 in Nassau - were members of the MS-13 or Latin Kings gangs. These men were in the country illegally and involved with drug dealing and other crimes, according to Smith.
"You take 157 gang members out of a gang affiliation, you've definitely hurt them," Smith said.
The 29 other men arrested were not connected with any criminal activity, which prompted an immigrant rights demonstration in Hempstead last week.
"These raids have really terrorized people, especially the children," Nadia Marin-Molina said.
Nassau County officials have spoken out against the raids, while Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said he supports ICE's efforts.
Nassau, Suffolk officials split on ICE raids
For extended footage of the suspects arrested in the ICE raids heading to court, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.
Related Information:Immigrantrights activists protest ICE raids