Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers worked with law enforcement authorities around the country to arrest 375 gang members in 23 states according to a press release by the Department of Homeland Security.  The two week action was the result of a new program called “Operation Community Shield” which is now barely in its second year.  The partnership is the result of an investigation into violent street gangs that revealed a majority of targeted gangs were foreign born and in the country illegally.  This operation is not the first of its kind.  Since the partnerships were forged, ICE agents have been involved in the apprehension of 2,388 gang members from 239 different gangs.

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A recent Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing cleared the Mexican Government of involvement in a drug smuggling operation.  Video taken of the illegal activity along the Mexican border showed members of the smuggling outfit driving hummers and wearing uniform-like clothing.  Mexico denied possible involvement and stated that the hummers and uniforms being used by the smugglers were no longer in use by the Mexican Military. Despite being cleared of direct involvement with the drug operation, some US officials are still displeased with Mexico for allowing drug cartels to operate within their borders. 

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In El Centro, California, two border patrol agents are facing a number of charges, including bribery.  Mario Alvarez and Samuel McClaren are being prosecuted for taking bribes in exchange for releasing immigrants into a smuggling ring which took the immigrants into LA.  The two men worked in a joint program with Mexico designed to deport smugglers to their home country for prosecution.  Neither the prosecution nor the defense has made a statement on the upcoming trial.