9 Arrested After Raid Targeting Violent MS-13 Gang In NorCal

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) -- Nine men believed to be affiliated with violent gang activity have been arrested in connection to a series of raids by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Santa Cruz Police Department.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the raids conducted early Monday capped a five-year investigation into gang violence in Santa Cruz. The raids targeted members of the MS-13 gang, also known as the Mara Salvatrucha gang.

Photos of busted windows of home raided by federal agents this morning. "Violent criminal organization" arrested throughout #SantaCruz pic.twitter.com/sQqMvuWjP2
— Maria Cid Medina (@Maria_MedinaTV) February 13, 2017

Santa Cruz Deputy Police Chief Dan Flippo says he believes the department will be able to solve two recent homicides with the arrests made Monday.

Evidence is still being processed in connection to the arrests.