Southern Arizona law enforcement agencies execute gang-related warrants

TUCSON, Ariz. - Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) partnered with multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies under the FBI’s Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force (SAVCGTF) to executed 11 search warrants throughout Pima and Santa Cruz counties, in connection with an ongoing investigation against a violent criminal street gang in Tucson. This gang is known to distribute fentanyl and other drugs, along with firearms offenses, and other violent crimes.

Aside from HSI Tucson, law enforcement agencies who assisted in the target enforcement action include:

• FBI
• Tucson Police Department
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Pima County Sheriff Department
• Sierra Vista Police Department

“We are committed to doing our part to combat crime throughout Arizona and keep our communities safe,” said Sean Kaul, special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “This task force and investigation is another example of the dedication the FBI and our partners have to target violent crime and drug offenders. Today’s operation underscores our invaluable partnerships with law enforcement, and these collaborative efforts will continue to benefit Arizona as we continue to eradicate violent crime in our communities.”

“Reducing gun violence is a top priority for TPD,” said Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar. “Disrupting violent criminal networks removes violent offenders and drug dealers from our community. I’m proud of the regional public safety teamwork in this comprehensive investigation. We continue to collaborate with our federal and regional law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime and protect Tucsonans.”

The Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force is comprised of the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Tucson Police Department, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity, to include gang activity to the HSI Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by HSI. Contact the toll-free tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

HSI is a directorate of ICE and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.