Gang Members Rounded Up In Colorado ICE Operation

DENVER (CBS4)- Almost 1,000 gang members from more than 280 cities across the U.S. were rounded up and placed into custody as part of a big operation by ICE and Homeland Security.

The arrests were part of Project Wildfire a six week operation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security. The operation targeted what are classified as transitional gangs with criminal activity in the U.S. and abroad.

There were a total of 976 arrests in 282 cities, 13 of those were in three cities in Colorado. Five people were arrested in Denver, two in Glenwood Springs and six in Grand Junction.

Federal agents believe their operation has the potential to dramatically reduce street crimes. In addition to those who were arrested, agents seized firearms and massive amounts of illegal drugs including meth and heroin.

Most of the individuals that have been arrested are U.S. citizens but authorities also arrested almost 200 foreign nationals. Agents documented tattoos on hundreds of suspects that would help identify the gangs with which they are associated.

"Criminal gangs inflict violence and fear upon our communities and without the attention of law enforcement, these groups can spread like a cancer," said ICE Director Sarah R. Saldañ.

The raids are part of a larger crime reduction plan called Operation Community Sheild. Over the last decade that operation has resulted in the arrest of 36,000 gang members from 2,600 different gangs.