Updated 11/16/2011 11:45 PM
NY1 Exclusive: Homeland Security Officials Bust Alleged Mexican Gang Members In East Harlem
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
Homeland Security officials took down more than two dozen alleged members of a gang with ties to Mexico on Wednesday, and NY1's Criminal Justice reporter Dean Meminger went along on a raid in East Harlem that resulted in some of the arrests and filed this exclusive report. Officers from the Department of Homeland Security moved in the dark hours of the early morning to take down members of Los Vargos, a Mexican gang they allege terrorized East Harlem and parts of the Bronx.
"Today along with other teams we are going to be executing about 30 warrants," said one official who asked to not be identified.
Twenty-five people were arrested on several charges including attempted murder, gun possession and cocaine sales.
NY1's Criminal Justice reporter Dean Meminger and a cameraman wore bulletproof vests and were allowed to ride along as officers prepared to make the busts.
During their briefing, officers were reminded that it would be a very active scene, with a number of law enforcement agencies arresting people.
"We don't know what the living conditions are in the building, the apartment, but we are going to attempt to enter, soft entry," said an anonymous law enforcement official.
Homeland Security officials insisted that getting members of Los Vargos, or VGS, off the streets makes neighborhoods safer.
"We learned through the use of federal wiretaps that individuals actually shot at rival gang members. Actually, on one occasion, they hit a rival gang member but did not kill the individual. Their intent was not just to scare but to kill," said James Hayes, the ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge.
Los Vargos members often battle the Latin Kings over turf, according to Homeland Security.
Six of the individuals arrested were charged with associating with the gang while being in the country illegally and authorities are pushing to deport them.
"In our mind, we are getting them right before they take the next step and put innocent civilians and sometimes members of their own immigrant communities in danger," said Hayes.
Federal authorities allege Los Vargos members often rob people and collect dues from members, using that money to get gang members back in the country illegally after they have been deported.
Homeland Security officials said they hope to cut that money supply off with the latest arrests.