U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Gangs Update

Violent gang charged with using machetes, a shotgun, and other weapons to attack 10 victims

DALLAS — A federal grand jury this week indicted eight MS-13 gang members on the following criminal charges: racketeering conspiracy; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering; and using, carrying and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The July 11 indictment was announced by the following agency heads: U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas, Special Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Office, Field Office Director Marc Moore of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Chief Jeff Spivey of the Irving (Texas) Police Department, Chief U. Reneé Hall of the Dallas Police Department, and District Attorney Faith Johnson of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.

Charged in the 18-count indictment, which was unsealed July 13, are the following alleged MS-13 members and associates:
Rolan Ivan Hernandez-Fuentes, 25, aka Ivan Fuentes, Tasmania, Ronal Ivan and Fuentes Hernandez;
Jerson Gutierrez-Ramos, 20, aka Gerson Gutierrez and Sparky;
Cristian Wilfredo Cabrera-Cruz, 26, aka Cristin Benjamin Vigil and Mama;
Kevin Cruz, 19, aka Street Danger;
Jose Armando Saravia-Romero, 19, aka Jose Saravia, Mandy and Pinky;
Manuel Amaya-Alvarez, 21, aka Manuel Amaya and Chocolate; and
Jonathan Alexander Baires, 20, aka Splinter.

The name of the eighth defendant is currently under seal.“Gangs – and especially transnational gangs like MS-13 – are responsible for many of the violent crimes that occur throughout the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, HSI Dallas. “Some of these violent gang members have illegally entered the United States as unaccompanied alien children. As demonstrated with this HSI-led investigation, an ongoing coordinated multi-agency law enforcement effort is the best means of curtailing gang numbers, gang finances, and gang effectiveness to operate.

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