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We are here today to share the results of Project Southern Tempest,
our largest operation to date, specifically targeting violent U.S. street gangs
that have teamed up with international drug trafficking organizations.
We arrested 678 gang members and their associates
from 133 different gangs,
including MS-13, Mexican Mafia, 18th Street, Latin Kings, Serenos, Bloods and Crips.
They are not people we want walking the streets.
They are not law-abiding, productive members of our communities.
As a police chief of a small city it is incumbent upon me to utilize
as many resources as possible to address the primary issue of quality of life -
quality of life for the people that live and work in my community.
Our partnership with ICE is a shining example of the importance of these collaborations.
Importantly, ICE's partnersip extends beyond just the federal agencies
and includes the state and locals in our district.
I've seen in our district many times how ICE has provided very strong support
to the state and local law enforcement authorities in apprehending gang members
who were imported for state prosecutions as well as federal prosecutions.
In tough economic times when budgets are tightened,
it is essential that we find ways to share information and resources.
while working towards a common goal.
Simply put for me, the Community Shield Task Force
and ICE's prioritization of gang investigations
has been one of the most creative and effective partnerships
that I have seen in my 20 years of law enforcement.