Federal agents have arrested eight Mexican nationals in the Tulsa area for drug trafficking. This is part of a nationwide round-up called Project Coronado.
The US Department of Justice says 5 people were arrested in Tulsa yesterday, as well as one in Jenks and one in Owasso. Agents say, a Tulsa man was also arrested in Texas.
The attorney general just wrapped up a news conference on this in Washington DC. He says more than 3000 agents, and officers worked on the operation.
It lasted 2 days and spread across 19 states. More than 300 people were arrested.
It’s common, frustrating, and even law enforcement says its complicated when decide g who gets deported or who stays and serves time for crimes committed in our country.
"There’s so many variables in this system," said Administrative Sergeant, Shannon Clark.
But the question lingers with seven Mexican nationals arrested Wednesday in the Tulsa area. They’re accused of being part of the notorious La Familia gang out of Mexico. The arrests are part of a nationwide sting called Project Coronado- netting more than 300 arrests for drug trafficking.
The local bust, uncovering 20 pounds of meth, two pounds of cocaine, six guns and thousands of dollars.
For now the gang is behind bars, but for how long?
"Its kind of up in the air," said Clark.
Clark is familiar with such issues, but says answers to immigration questions are not always clear-cut.
"I don't know that there is ever a question I can give you a positive definitive answer on exactly how it works," said Clark.
Clark says the accused gang members arrested Wednesday will see a judge, and in most cases, if found guilty they'll serve time. But the sergeant says the sad truth, is that some violent illegal immigrants are simply deported-- never facing any consequence for their crime.
Other than being sent back to the country they left.
Bottom line:
"If its a local ruthless crime, we have to wait on what courts say," said Clark.
And that could be a while.
More than 3,000 agents, and officers took part in the two-day nationwide sweep.
In all, they seized $3.4 million and hundreds of pounds of narcotics.
