HOMELAND SECURITY????????????????????
Homeland Security Nets More Than 500 Gang Arrests
By Lara Jakes Jordan Associated Press Writer
Published: Aug 1, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal authorities arrested 528 alleged gang members over a two-week period, officials said Monday, targeting more than 54 violent groups they say have spawned street crimes across the country.
Investigators picked up most of the offenders between July 16 and July 28 on immigration violations for being in the United States illegally. Seventy-six face criminal charges, ranging from illegal possession of a firearm to holding fraudulent documents.
"Street gangs in America have grown and expanded their influence to an alarming level, marked by increased violence and criminal activity," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in prepared remarks announcing the arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. "These gangs pose a severe threat to public safety and this growth must not go unchallenged."
ICE is an arm of the Homeland Security Department.