Eight MS-13 members who allegedly used machetes, guns, and sledgehammers for violent crimes were caught, according to the Department of Justice Friday.
Charges included accounts of racketeering, attempted murder conspiracies, robbery, and assault with dangerous weapons in the Dallas, Texas, area. The victims were 18th Street gang members, enemies of MS-13.
Officials discovered that gang members held meetings in public parks and a tunnel in Irving, Texas. (RELATED: Texas Border Patrol Arrests Four MS-13 And 18th Street Gang Members)
“Today’s indictment of eight MS-13 members—including five who are charged as illegal aliens in possession of firearms —makes clear that the Trump Administration and this Department will continue to go on offense against MS-13 with every lawful tool at our disposal,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the press release.
All of the indicted members crossed the border illegally, according to a Homeland Security Investigations official that told the Dallas News. The members of MS-13, which is primarily comprised of people from El Salvador, were allegedly involved in six attacks since July 2017.
MS-13, like many gangs, is required to commit violent crimes, especially against rivals, in order to maintain status and membership. “Kill, steal, rape, control,” is one of the gang’s motto, reported the Dallas News.
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