Reader comments
Fed crackdown on Utah gangs nets 50 arrests

We see you! | 12:32 a.m. July 16, 2008

This is a magnificent reaction from our wonderful federal government! And all that was required to motivate the apathetic feds to finally do something was that a 7 year old girl had to die in gang violence!

DD | 12:35 a.m. July 16, 2008

Meanwhile, Tony Yapias ia organizing a protest and demanding that these gang members be released back to their familes. he was quoted as saying "It is not fair to break up families at this time of the year as we prepare for pioneer day. Some of these men have families to support".

weezie | 5:13 a.m. July 16, 2008

Where is our compassion? Remember our legislature.

Comments continue below

Finally | 5:36 a.m. July 16, 2008

Please keep up the pressure on these idiots. I just wish it had been done before the little girl was murdered. Remember her next time you pull over carload of gang idiots law enforcement.

Anonymous | 5:46 a.m. July 16, 2008

Thank you for a job well done.

Let's keep it going and read a headline like this once a week.

Pete | 6:36 a.m. July 16, 2008

Deportation only means that they are given another chance to get back into our country. They will be helped by the gangs and others, and continue their destructive ways. Incarceration not deportation.
Yapias seems part of the problem not the solution.
Pioneer Day's is a celebration of good over evil.

nottyou | 6:55 a.m. July 16, 2008

Deport them, again and again and again!

Charles | 7:12 a.m. July 16, 2008

Well I thought the leaders of the USA said they needed Mexs to do the picking well son of a gun. there,s 12 million now what do you do huh, Mr. McCain. Well well let me see, no one wants to talk about this problem, they need the votes you see.

CougarKeith | 7:26 a.m. July 16, 2008

The solution to Gangs is prevention NOT Stopping it after it has started! (I AM A CONSERVATIVE, NOT A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT). Sadly a few more tax dollars/Volunteer hours pointed at gang recruitment areas youth before GANG AGE, needs to be done. Make them feel more confident in themselves, more involved in communitee, promote close nit togetherness and a "Family Sense" of brotherhood and sisterhood for the young people with good influence and leadership surounding them. Teach them about drugs, and alcohol, firearms and real harm they do to families and self. Promote recreation, a place to hang out where there is something to DO! Get out into the streets and talk to the parents and involve them as much as possible. Let these children know & PROVIDE THEM an ALTERNATIVE TO GANGS!

I know, GO TO CHURCH! But Young Mens and Young Womens is once a week, and not always exciting. They need a EVERYDAY PLACE to go till 11:00 pm or even later on weekends with Activities where they can BE THEMSELVES! With this you will see activity in the Church build! Until this is done in mass In Utah, Nothing is going to change!

A thank you note | 7:38 a.m. July 16, 2008

Thank you US Senators and Congressman for the wonderful job you are doing of giving lip service to the illegal immigration problem in this country and not enforcing the law. Keep up the good work and maybe more little 7 year old girls will die!

Anonymous | 7:53 a.m. July 16, 2008

This article cheered my heart. Thanks to the decision makers in this matter. Who'll mourn the absence of these uneducated short-haired tattood thugs? Seriously, what good do they contribute to society? They spread crime, fear, intimidation...arrest 'em and deport 'em.

Bob | 7:54 a.m. July 16, 2008

There needs to be a supreme penalty for a criminal who returns to the United States after being deported.

All criminals need to be marked either by tattoo or branding to facilitate future prosecution according to their crimes. This mark would be put somewhere on their body not visable to casual eyes but available to law enforcement. A national data base containing the marks information and DNA would allow positive and quick identification. If the mark is somehow removed the DNA would provide the positive identification.

Common Sense | 7:56 a.m. July 16, 2008

Thanks for the effort, however it will fall on deaf ears! One of the idiots involved in the shooting of the 7 year old girl, had already been deported on two seperate occasions. Does this make any sense?? Deportation does NOT work! After they are deported...they will be back here illegally within one year. There needs to much harsher consequences for these type of people. How about amputating the trigger man's finger when they shoot at someone? How about instituting a quick death penalty for these murderous thugs? They will not quit their thug way of life, until there are some real/true consequences for what they do! These guys should be required to serve in the military and immediately be pushed to the front line fighting in Iraq. Then let's see how they value human life? These murderous thugs have no concept of the value of human life! Of course the real question is...Where are their parents? and why don't they do a better job of parenting? Because our society has become to wound up in not punishing children, so they are free to intimidate their neighbors with NO recourse.

Re:CougarKeith | 8:00 a.m. July 16, 2008

Many gang members are already hardened criminals by the time they enter this country illegally. I doubt if going to a few family home evenings is going to change that.

Ken Baguley | 8:13 a.m. July 16, 2008

Thank heaven for the FEDS. Finally, someone is taking this seriously. Finally, we get equal enforcement of the law.

Charles | 8:20 a.m. July 16, 2008

Was there a church in LA protecting these illegals let them deal with the expence of the illegals, if they had to maybe they would think twice about what they did, that church helps with their mouth only.
Thank you Utah, Romney is the only one with the guts to say what to do with these illegals. Your dealing with illegals coming to the USA only to cause trouble, and to take advanage of our good nature, witch will run out some day I tell you.
Cause trouble to drive out of town folks that lived there for years so they can control the towns and cities to sell their durgs. USA wake up fight back and save your way of life.

About Time! | 8:25 a.m. July 16, 2008

Bravo to the feds and state, but what took you so long. It should not take a child dying to get rid of the scum. Are these the illegals that Orrin Hatch and Bob want to make into US Citizens then give them social security benefits??? Wake Up! Now, go to Mexico and take the oil for the illegals who are here taking our health care, public education , and benefits away from taxpaying Americans!!

Idaokie | 8:29 a.m. July 16, 2008

I agree that these gang members are already hardened criminals when they enter the country. We HAVE TO close the borders. If an illegal immigrant criminal is a repeat offender and returns after being deported there must be a stiff penalty based upon the severity of the crimes offended.
Wonderful job in rounding up these guys!! Keep it up. It's a constant battle on the homefront.

The Jobs That Americans Won't Do | 8:32 a.m. July 16, 2008

Guess gangs from Mexico are the jobs that American will not do....Hello...30% of those in prision are here ILLEGALLY...

News Flash...why did the US Congress strip away 100 million from going to the border police departments in Texas to fight illegals...?? Instead they gave 400 million to Mexico!!

It is time we all wake up and vote the Bums out and elect those who will serve America, not the global multinational interests!

Re: Cougar Keith II | 8:51 a.m. July 16, 2008

I understand your angle. I just think that a lot of the problems begin on an even more basic level. Gang activity comes from parents who are either absent in the sight of their children because their lives are consumed with survival, or infidelity to one another. Or the parents themselves are too tolerant of behavior that should have been disciplined MUCH SOONER. Their world functions largely on the basis of intimidation and sub-cultural images that they would call art. It's easy to be in a social network where one thinks that the rest of the world is similar to that social network. People who use drugs tend to think that many more people use drugs. People who are deeply religious can have a sugar coated perspective on society as a whole. There's obviously a STARK difference between those who are looking to improve their lives, and those who are out dealing drugs and formulating acts of sheer stupidity like drive by shootings. I yet understand your angle. "Don't fence me in". Ironically many gangsters come from a Christian background. They really need to turn to Jesus Christ above all and better understand their potential.

rick | 9:11 a.m. July 16, 2008

i think we should cain these slow learners who continue to come back into our country. It works very well in Singapor. Michael Faye hasn't been back to that country causing mischief since he got cained. what a wonderful deterrant. very cost effective too as i dont think bamboo is very expensive. We could cain everyone illegally here it would be much less expensive than building fences and bus tickets back to Mexico.

Good to hear! | 9:11 a.m. July 16, 2008

I AM SO TIRED OF ANYTHING GANG RELATED. I SAY YES TO THE FARMERS AND DOWN WITH THE GANGSTERS! YES TO THE HONEST AND CLEAN AND HARD WORKING! NO TO THE LIARS AND THE SCOUNDRELS AND THE LAZY! YES TO INTEGRITY AND NO TO THEFT! YES TO JUSTICE! LET IT BE SERVED - LONG OVER DO! - - - The strength of the United States is it's capacity to abide well written laws, and in it's capacity to hold corruption to the death. We did that with King George! We have to live with that spirit! We're a FREE COUNTRY and INTIMIDATIONS AND NOISE AND CONFUSIONS AND INSECURITIES FROM GANG ACTIVITY IS NOT WELCOMED HERE! BECOME A LAW ABIDING, PEACEFUL CITIZEN, OR GO HOME! So much crap though is asked for! On my window at this very moment are advertisements for "Angery Young Man, Chester Bennington", and some other stupid looking guy whose style belongs in the corrupt, slimy slums of some early 80's show. I'M SICK OF IT! GO WORK IN A GARDEN OR GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFE! THINK ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE FOR ONCE YOU SELF-ABSORBED LOSERS!

Think about it | 9:41 a.m. July 16, 2008

I think that if you are in this country illegally and you are caught committing felonies you should not be sent back to your country of origin to come again. You should be given a harsher penalty, but you should not strain our tax dollars because you never will be a member of society. You should be put to death. How many illegals will come here and break the law then. There is a legal and illegal way to get into the country, do it legally.

happy citizen | 9:45 a.m. July 16, 2008

Yes! Yes! Yes! Keep cleaning.

C. Jones | 9:51 a.m. July 16, 2008

Every member of Congress who has in any way supported illegal alien amnesty needs to be "Canonized" in November, that is the only thing they understand. Most of the them are in the pocket of the Chamber of Commerce and big business. Chief among these is one Bob Bennett.
Think of the hundreds of 7 year old girls and others who have died and will die thanks to these self serving fools we send to congress every year.
These criminal losers are the same ones Barack Obama wants to give blanket amnesty to, remember that in November as well all of you blind Obamaites.

The Real Solution | 9:53 a.m. July 16, 2008

is to start arresting the politicians and leaders of organizations that promote illegal immigrations.

whip-dee- doo | 10:02 a.m. July 16, 2008

now get get rid of all the criminals who cross the border daily..then act as if it is nothing. who foots the bill when they keep comming and everyone knows who's illegal! amnesty NO!!!

Fed Up | 10:08 a.m. July 16, 2008

Finally...some really good news this week ! Keep on them and let 'em know that they're time's coming if they persist in these haneous, destructive activities by doing much more than merely deportation ! BEEF UP the border !! Spend the money where it needs it !

The Deuce | 10:16 a.m. July 16, 2008

Gang activity should be pursued and wiped out. This is a cancer to our society and drains resources and time from local, state and federal agencies. As with a cancer, you need to go in and take out as much of the bad tissue as possible. This is the same for those individuals who hide behind our laws. It is time that individuals, neighborhoods, communities, cities and governments say no and pursue these people. We must create an environment that these activities are no longer tolerated and there is a price to pay. We need to be proactive in our efforts. To try and throw more money at programs that have shown to be useless it is time to get serious and put a stop to these people.

re: The Deuce | 10:47 a.m. July 16, 2008

Couldn't agree more.

PT | 11:10 a.m. July 16, 2008

I just wanted to add that I agree with the harsher punishment for those that come here illegally to break the law! Criminals know what they can and can't do and they know that if they leave the country to do it, they will just get sent home. Just like the neighbors 7 year old kid, you can't slap his hand if he comes to your house and breaks the rules so you send him home assuming the situation is addressed and dealt with. What kind of laws are in order if I were to leave the country and commit murder and ultimately have to be sent back to the U.S. by deportation? I wonder if other countries have the same problem with U.S. citizens that go there with intentions of breaking the law?
I truly appreciate whoever coordinated this entire event of police actually doing their jobs! It not only made our neighborhoods a lot safer, it probably saved several of us from paying j-walking, loitering and other insignificant tickets!

Antonio | 11:51 a.m. July 16, 2008

I am glad to see the Feds taking this action. Deport illegals with misdemeanors and incarcerate the felons. And deport their families. Maybe then the families would be motivated to keep their children, brothers, etc. out of gangs.
Then let's deduct the cost of incarceration and deportation from the $ millions in foreign aid we give to Mexico and other countries.

Sid Knight | 12:06 p.m. July 16, 2008

Don`t deport them they will just come back. Give them life imprisonment with no possiblity of porole. That`s the only way to keep them off the streets.

raiderhino | 12:37 p.m. July 16, 2008

Hey you missed one. Theres a guy named Charles the feds should come back and pick-up. My general consensus is: Kill 'em all God will sort it out.

Patriot | 1:32 p.m. July 16, 2008

I thought family values didn't stop at the Rio Grande??? Hmmmm????

How stupid of me to want the borders secured and the enforcement of interior immigration laws.

Next time you vote for a phoney RHINO try doing a little more background research.

Anonymous | 2:30 p.m. July 16, 2008

Those of you saying that this is a democrat related issue are sadly mistaken. A republican signed the agreement with California to send their gang members here. This republican did not think of the future when he signed this agreement either. Once we go so many gang members here they started ruining our streets and holding us captive to their violence.

That is why these Utah gangs have California gang association.

Bobby | 3:30 p.m. July 16, 2008

Anonymous, Nancy Pelosi the speaker, two Senators Feinstein and Boxer, are all from California. They are all Democrats. The Democrats have had a majority in the both houses for two years now. What have they done against illegal alien gangs, and illegal immigration? I'll tell you what they've done--ENCOURAGED IT AND ARE CONTINUING TO ENCOURAGE IT. OBAMA WANTS THE BORDERS WIDE OPEN AS DOES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS WELL AS THE REPUBLCIAN PARTY. ISN'T THAT REALLY THE TRUE PICTURE?

The truth | 4:42 p.m. July 16, 2008

I truly believe I have to add my 2 cents worth now to this feeding frenzy here. So some person named Tolman said during a press conference "These are all violent gangs, and we want the out of our communities." NOW Utahns are sick of gang violence. There's an ole saying here folk's, "how does one get rid of a stray dog hanging around their home that one day just showed up there?." That answer is "quit feeding it and petting it, only than will it go away." Without getting the Fed's in on the act, to do your self-made job for you. After being a LDS Church member for the past 50 years, I seen a lot, and presumably that my mind serves me correctly, and I know it does, was it not the Mexican President that visited Utah, thanking leader's, for their compassion, humanitarianism, finding illegals a place to stay, feeding them, clothing them, helping paying their bills, finding them jobs, welcoming them there in Utah with open arms, as well as other thing's to.

Another job well done, shows our tax dollars are really at work with the Fed's ----- BUT Not by Utahns ?.

Facts Straight | 5:06 p.m. July 16, 2008

1. the Provo and Ogden ICE offices started their gang operations well before the little girl was murdered.
2. Not only did the Provo ICE office arrest 28 hardcore gang members, they also rescued a 14yo girl who had been missing for 2 months...held in an apartment of gang members;
3. The Provo ICE office has been doing this for years, just were able to arrest more at one time with additional help...hard to do with only three agents and 12 counties.
4. Want to blame anyone...go after your representatives for not providing funding to increase the number of much needed ICE agents.
5. But these facts are usually swept under the rug by media that only reports one side of the story.

ShambaLamba | 5:19 p.m. July 16, 2008

nottyou | 6:55 a.m. July 16, 2008
Deport them, again and again and again!

Why? Execution would be much cheaper !

talken about illegals | 7:00 p.m. July 16, 2008

The illegals / homeless are fine as long as they are in somebody else's neighborhood. But when the Democrats are going to show up for their big time convention in Denver, they can't have them anywhere! It was the same thing in New York. They just can't have those TV images. It's going to be bad enough with Recreate 68 out there trying to cause all kinds of hijinks, so they're going to give the homeless movie tickets in Denver the week of the convention. I'm not making it up. So will crime go up now in your neighborhood?.

ksmrcl | 8:29 p.m. July 16, 2008

to rick: bus ticket??? try flying them back home to honduras, mexico city, el salvador etc. yes folks, they get to ride first class in a big airplane home to family!! our tax dollars at work!!

Gang culture | 11:40 p.m. July 16, 2008

Unfortunately, many of these gang members come from a family culture of gangs and illegal activity. There are families down here who live across the border, send their kids to school in the US, raise them to become border patrol agents and they actually are involved in the drug trade and have been for several generations.
We've seen some real examples of this right here where I live.
Most gang members don't join gangs because of "low self-esteem" and other sociological jargon. They join gangs because they want to do illegal activities and see nothing wrong with doing them.
They think the rest of us are real stupid and they know how to milk the system, talk their way into people's sympathies. They are young (and sometimes not so young) career criminals and most will not change.
It's time to get seriously tough on causes--and securing our borders is one way to start!

rick | 9:07 p.m. July 17, 2008

lets do a little talking with our state representatives in a language that they won't forget. If we all vote and get our families to vote maybe a friend or two we could get some of those compassionate ones out of office. the ecomomy is slowing why our own kids are having trouble finding summer jobs. Why? This state seems to turn its head on us. our childrens class rooms would be smaller if our teachers were not forced into teaching children who should't be there to begin with. our ERs wouldn't be swamped when we took our own kids in for emergency help, these people use our ERs like the doctors office for sniffles. it would free up a lot of places to live. rents would fall. fewer cheap workers means that wages would rise. vote we need some representatives willing to do the right thing The truth is that we don't have the funds to take care of our own let alone those who but in line and demand rights.

Dolly | 1:30 p.m. July 18, 2008

I agree with Pete! Incarceration, not deportation. I had one city official tell me that it only takes them a matter of approximately a week to hop the border again. If we, the legals, commit crimes we are incarcerated. Let's think about that. Kudos to the Feds for finally doing SOMETHING!!!

Anonymous | 4:20 p.m. Dec. 7, 2008

Not all gang members are a different race, and not all immigrants come here to commit crime. It isn't fair for the people who come here seeking opportunity to be looked down upon due to the actions of others.

Cyclona | 3:26 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Gangs used to be about familia but it has now changed there is no respect. There are gang members fighters each other in their own hood the peewees dont listen to the O.Gs nor do they respect them like their supposed to. Its kind of embarrassing to claim my neighborhood OGDEN 13 CCL because it aint about family no more its all about sovling our problems with guns and killing and violence and like I said before there is no more respect

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Fed crackdown on Utah gangs nets 50 arrests

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Fed crackdown on Utah gangs nets 50 arrests