Federal authorities say a sweeping early-morning operation dubbed “Operation Devil Horns” resulted in the arrest of 2,743 suspected members and associates of the transnational gang MS-13 across 34 states.

The coordinated effort, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reportedly targeted individuals identified through a multi-year intelligence campaign involving domestic surveillance, financial tracking, and international cooperation.

Officials described it as one of the largest synchronized anti-gang crackdowns in U.S. history.

What Was Seized

According to law enforcement sources, agents confiscated:

• Dozens of firearms and assault-style weapons

• Large quantities of narcotics

• Significant amounts of cash

• Encrypted communication devices

• Gang records and digital storage media

Prosecutors are now preparing broad conspiracy indictments under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which allows authorities to charge individuals as part of a criminal enterprise rather than isolated crimes.

How Did the Intelligence Breakthrough Happen?

Officials say the breakthrough stemmed from enhanced information-sharing between U.S. agencies and security forces in El Salvador, where MS-13 originated. El Salvador’s aggressive domestic crackdown on gangs in recent years reportedly yielded intelligence databases containing biometric data, communication networks, and financial pathways tied to gang members operating abroad.

Investigators combined that intelligence with:

• Cellphone metadata analysis

• Undercover operations

• Financial transaction monitoring

• Confidential informants

• Digital forensic mapping

By correlating international data with domestic investigations, authorities were able to identify coordinated cells operating across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.

Legal and Community Impact

If the RICO cases proceed as described, defendants could face decades in federal prison. Law enforcement officials argue the operation disrupts recruitment pipelines, trafficking routes, and cross-border command structures.

Civil liberties advocates, however, caution that large-scale gang designations can sometimes sweep in individuals with limited or disputed involvement. Legal proceedings will determine the strength of the evidence presented.

What Comes Next?

Officials indicate that further indictments may follow as digital evidence is analyzed. Federal prosecutors are expected to announce detailed charges in phases as grand juries return formal indictments.

While authorities characterize the operation as a major blow to MS-13’s U.S. footprint, analysts note that long-term impact will depend on sustained enforcement and international cooperation.

The coming months in federal courtrooms will reveal whether “Operation Devil Horns” becomes a lasting turning point — or one chapter in an ongoing battle against transnational gang networks.