37 Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Arrested In Mass. Sweep
BOSTON (CBS) - In a predawn raid, 37 of 56 alleged members of the MS-13 gang were rounded up in Boston and surrounding communities, indicted on charges related to murder, conspiracy to commit murder and drug trafficking.
The gang's core mantra translated into English is "kill, rape, control."
Under the gang's strict rules prospective members are required to engage in "significant violent criminal activity," according to U.S. attorney Carmen Ortiz.
Officials say machetes and guns are the weapons of choice to carry out brutal crimes, largely fueled by drug money. To help them, officials say teens were being recruited at high schools in East Boston and Chelsea, and they've now been linked to five murders including three teens in East Boston.
Students at East Boston High School said MS is written in the bathrooms, and tagging is common.
Mayor Marty Walsh said he is not familiar with the details of the case, but wants the arrests to send a message to students. "Really the message is - know we're doing this to keep you safe and we're going to continue to do that," said Mayor Walsh.
Wilson Martinez and Irvin da Paz Castro were murdered back in September. Christopher Perez de la Cruz died from his injuries two weeks ago, likely victims of a violent initiation.
"There are certain steps for initiation and they call it 'getting wet', getting blood on yourself," said Boston police Commissioner William Evans.
The federal roundup targeted several communities including Somerville where one prisoner, 18-year-old Gabriel Castillo Perez, managed to escape in handcuffs but was later captured fueling some tense moments.
Officials say these gang members are largely Salvadoran immigrants who target their own and communities like East Boston have felt their wrath. "These young killers don't want to hurt or punch, they want to kill so their victims don't talk," said community activist Antonio Arvelo.
Officials believe the raid had a significant impact in "dismantling" the gang.
WBZ-TV's Katie Brace contributed to this report.
