Long Island Gang Takedown: 28 Arrested in MS-13 Rival Gang Crackdown

Major Gang Takedown on Long Island

• 🎯 28 alleged gang members have been arrested in Suffolk County, Long Island, with authorities seizing their weapons.
• ⚠️ Authorities describe the targeted gangs as ruthless, using teenagers as young as 15 as triggermen to shield adult members from charges.

Homegrown Gangs and Violence

• 🏘️ The crackdown targeted homegrown gangs, specifically the Nine Trey Bloods and the Macbala family, which have grown nationally and are perpetuating violence.
• 🛍️ In one incident, alleged gang members were seen engaging in a gun scuffle at the Smith Haven Mall on Black Friday, showing disregard for civilian presence.
• 🚗 Rivalries have spilled into communities like Mastic and Patchog, leading to incidents such as a drive-by shooting at a local car wash.

Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort

• 🤝 This operation was a collaborative effort involving Suffolk County Police's G crew (Gun Crimes Reduction Unit), the District Attorney's office, the County Sheriff utilizing jailhouse intelligence, and the US Marshals.
• 💰 The focus was not just on low-level members but also on financiers and leaders ordering the violence.

Scope of Criminal Activity

• 📈 The arrested individuals are linked to a wide range of crimes, including at least 19 different shootings in Suffolk County.
• ⚖️ Other alleged crimes include armed robberies, drug trafficking, and gun charges.
• 🗣️ Officials sent a strong message that law enforcement is the toughest "gang" and will prevail by playing by the rules.