The AP reports that federal officials have arrested two alleged members of the MS-13 gang, one in Harris County:
U.S. immigration authorities arrested two members of a Central America-based gang in Texas this week as part of a nationwide crackdown.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Houston announced Friday that Mario Del Carmen Umanzor, a Salvadoran, was arrested by border patrol agents near the border checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, on Monday. Hary Alberto Duran-Lanza, a Honduran, was arrested Thursday in Harris County, which includes Houston.
Both are members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha gang, or MS-13, which is rooted in Central America. More than 300 members have been arrested nationwide since Operation Community Shield was launched in March.
ICE said in a statement that Umanzor was convicted of cocaine possession in 2003 in Virginia and was deported after serving 16 months in prison. He also told authorities he has been arrested multiple times in El Salvador, once for possessing a live grenade.
ICE said Umanzor is charged with illegally re-entering the United States and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Duran-Lanza, who has been arrested on charges including burglary, theft and evading arrest, will be deported, ICE said.
That MS-13 is an extremely dangerous gang that engages in drug trafficking is underscored by Umanzor’s rap sheet.
Thankfully, MayorWhiteChiefHurtt have ensured that downtown crosswalks will be safe from deadly gang activities this month. Maybe next month, they can focus on the rest of the city.
RELATED COVERAGE: 2 alleged MS-13 members arrested, 1 from Harris County (KHOU-11), Up close: Life is tough in the ‘Gulfton Ghetto’ (Dave Fehling, KHOU-11).
