Homeland Security Investigations have arrested nearly three dozen "violent" Sureno gang members and associates during a New Mexico gang sweep.
The federal agency announced Thursday the 34 people were taken into custody as part of a national sting called "Project Southbound" aimed at arresting Sureno members linked to criminal activities.
Kevin Abar, assistant special agent in charge in New Mexico, says the gang members were arrested during a month-long sting that began in March with the help of Albuquerque and Santa Fe police.
He said the Valencia Country and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office also helped with the sting.
HSI says the Surenos are one of many street gangs operating in rural area of New Mexico. The agency says they are linked to drug cartels.
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