Asians Arrested in Street Gang Probe

L. A. Times, Mar. 5

As part of a crackdown on Asian gangs called Operation Bamboo Serpent, federal agents Thursday arrested four immigrants from Asian countries with criminal histories and alleged ties to violent street gangs. More arrests are expected, officials said.

The four — from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines — have convictions for burglary, drugs and firearms violations. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is seeking to deport them. Three of the four are linked to the Asian Boy Soldiers gang, officials said. Asian gangs have been linked to violent home-invasion robberies.

“Our goal is to take these people out of our neighborhoods,” said Associate Special Agent-In-Charge Serge Duarte.