More Than 1,700 People Arrested in Immigration Gang Probe

WASHINGTON – U.S. immigration officials say a six-month, 89-city operation focused on gangs led to the arrests of more than 1,700 people.

The 1,785 arrests are of people suspected of gang and criminal activity or immigration violations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday 35 percent have violent criminal histories, 16 are gang leaders and more than 1,400 are suspected gang members. About 905 people face criminal charges.

The operation targeted gangs with largely foreign-born members involved in many types of smuggling. The operation ended Sept. 30. The arrests are part of the Operation Community Shield program that involves federal, state and local law enforcement officers.