Federal authorities arrested more than two dozen alleged Mexican Mafia members and associates during an early morning crackdown in Southern California on Thursday, federal officials said in a news conference and in a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Officials said the FBI and other federal and local agencies executed search and arrest warrants at about 30 locations, mostly in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. Prosecutors said the arrests were part of a broader case charging the alleged members and associates of the Mexican Mafia.
Federal prosecutors said a total of 43 people—including defendants already in custody—were indicted on charges that include murder, kidnapping, extortion, running an illegal gambling operation and drug trafficking. The indictment also describes how the Mexican Mafia grew from its origins in a juvenile jail in the 1950s into an international criminal organization, with members operating from inside California’s penal system, federal officials said.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said during the news conference that the operation focused on removing dangerous drugs from the streets. “The stuff that we’re taking off the streets is very, very dangerous. These guys have no regard for human life. They’re about making money,” Essayli said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the indictment alleges one leader, who was incarcerated, used contraband cellphones to oversee Mexican Mafia criminal activities from a state prison cell from June 2024 to April 2026. Prosecutors said the leader directed street gang members to kidnap and assault people and that the gang sold drugs including fentanyl, meth, heroin and cocaine.
In its statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said the alleged gang operated illegal gambling businesses in commercial strip malls and private residences. Prosecutors said the gang collected extortionate taxes and provided security, including the use of violence, to protect the illegal gambling businesses.
Federal prosecutors also said the indictment alleges the gang was suspected of a murder at a “gang-controlled” motel in Anaheim. Officials said the sweep resulted in seizures including 120 pounds (54 kilos) of methamphetamine, more than eight pounds (four kilos) of fentanyl, 25 firearms and more than $30,000 in cash.
Prosecutors said defendants will begin making their initial appearances Thursday afternoon in federal court in Los Angeles and Orange counties.