Current:Home > StocksNew Mexico authorities raid homes looking for evidence of alleged biker gang crimes-LoTradeCoin
New Mexico authorities raid homes looking for evidence of alleged biker gang crimes
View Date:2024-12-23 20:24:25
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal and state authorities in New Mexico carried out raids in towns around the state Thursday, searching for evidence to link the Bandidos Motorcycle Club to a racketeering conspiracy and other crimes.
FBI and state police units executed search warrants targeting 25 alleged biker gang members. Federal court records state that the investigation comes as the Bandidos allegedly intensify their search for rivals to kill or seriously injure.
Informants have told authorities that Bandidos leadership is concerned about looking weak for not avenging the shooting deaths of two members in May during a motorcycle rally in Red River.
No one has been prosecuted to date in connection with the shootout between members of the Bandidos and a much smaller motorcycle club, the Water Dogs, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
The violence at the rally was linked in part to a photo taken at a wedding that showed the leader of the New Mexico-based Water Dogs standing with at least one member of the Mongol Motorcycle Club. The Mongols have been trying to increase the club’s presence in New Mexico. Historically, the Bandidos have considered the state part of their territory.
In an affidavit, FBI Special Agent Bryan Acee stated that the Bandidos who were targeted in the searches “have been the most aggressive proponents of violent conflict.” He suggested that the search warrants would mitigate the current threat and result in the seizure of valuable evidence.
Court documents also state that over the past four years, law enforcement officials in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma have observed a sharp increase in violence between the Bandidos and the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district of New Mexico confirmed Thursday afternoon that searches took place in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Tomé, Grants, San Rafael, Gallup, Farmington, Hobbs, Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Capitan and Arabela.
Officers seized 151 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, numerous ballistics vests, as well as fentanyl, meth and cocaine. A stolen police radio also was recovered.
At least two people were arrested on state charges, and authorities said charges were pending against a third.
veryGood! (5587)
Related
- 24 more monkeys that escaped from a South Carolina lab are recovered unharmed
- Jenni Hermoso accuses Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for World Cup kiss
- Jenni Hermoso accuses Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for World Cup kiss
- E. Jean Carroll wins partial summary judgment in 2019 defamation case against Trump
- Food prices worried most voters, but Trump’s plans likely won’t lower their grocery bills
- Suspect sought after multiple Michigan State Police patrol vehicles are shot and set on fire
- Things to know about aid, lawsuits and tourism nearly a month after fire leveled a Hawaii community
- Chiefs star Travis Kelce hyperextends knee, leaving status for opener vs. Lions uncertain
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Feds: Former LA deputy who arrested man for no reason will plead guilty to civil rights charges
Ranking
- NFL Week 10 injury report: Live updates on active, inactive players for Sunday's games
- Joe Jonas files for divorce from Sophie Turner after 4 years of marriage: 'Irretrievably broken'
- Tropical Storm Lee: Projected path, maps and hurricane tracker
- Democrat Gabe Amo one win away from being 1st person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress
- Michigan soldier’s daughter finally took a long look at his 250 WWII letters
- Great Wall of China damaged by workers allegedly looking for shortcut for their excavator
- Horoscopes Today, September 5, 2023
- Google reaches tentative settlement with 36 states and DC over alleged app store monopoly
Recommendation
-
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long record of promoting anti-vaccine views
-
Tropical Storm Lee: Projected path, maps and hurricane tracker
-
Woody Allen attends Venice Film Festival with wife Soon-Yi Previn amid controversial reception
-
Tiny farms feed Africa. A group that aims to help them wins a $2.5 million prize
-
Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
-
Kelly Osbourne Shares Insight into Her Motherhood Journey With Baby Boy Sidney
-
Democrat Gabe Amo one win away from being 1st person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress
-
Summer of Record Heat Deals Costly Damage to Texas Water Systems