58 alleged Mexican gang members taken in ICE raids

August 30, 2007 (WLS) -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 58 Mexican nationals with ties to violent street gangs in the northern and northwest suburbs this week in the largest local dragnet targeting foreign-born street gang members.

According to a release from ICE, these are the latest arrests under an ongoing national initiative called "Operation Community Shield," in which ICE partners with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to address the threat of transnational street gangs.

The multi-agency operation targeted foreign national gang members and gang associates in the northern and northwest suburbs, including Waukegan, Mundelein and Round Lake, the release said. All of those arrested this week are Mexican men targeted for their affiliations with violent street gangs such as the Latin Kings, Sureño-13s and Latin Lovers, among others.

Of the 58 arrested, 37 are illegal aliens and 21 are U.S. permanent residents whose previous criminal convictions render them eligible for deportation. ICE agents in Chicago have made more than 275 arrests since the Operation Community Shield was established in February 2005.

The U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, Lake County Sheriff's Department, and the Waukegan and Mundelein Police Departments assisted ICE in the enforcement effort, which began Sunday night and concluded Wednesday.

Among those arrested was Edgar Rodriguez-Tovar, a 23-year-old Sureño-13 member, apprehended Aug. 26 in Round Lake, the release said. He is an illegal alien from Mexico with prior convictions for aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery, the release said. He remains in ICE custody pending deportation to Mexico.

Also arrested was Mario Vargas-Hernandez at his Waukegan residence, the release said. The 34-year-old is a member of the Latin Kings with gang tattoos confirming his membership. He is illegal alien with a burglary conviction and numerous arrests for unlawfully using a weapon, possessing a firearm, battery and aggravated assault, the release said. He remains in ICE custody pending removal to Mexico.

Some of the crimes associated with the gang members arrested during this local operation include aggravated battery, possessing a controlled substance, armed violence, possessing a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, drunken driving, mob action and burglary.

Six of those arrested had active warrants for their arrest and will be turned over to local authorities to face criminal charges before being transferred back to ICE for deportation. Three are being presented to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution for re-entering the United States after having been deported, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Sun-Times News Group Wire -- Copyright Chicago Sun-Times 2006

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