The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on July 6, 2026, that it executed 20 federal warrants and arrested 10 members of the Hoover Criminals Gang (HCG) in Los Angeles. The arrests are connected to extensive sex trafficking operations, with officials identifying 51 victims, some as young as 14 years old.

The suspects now face federal racketeering charges including sex trafficking, money laundering, firearms offenses, and narcotics offenses. The 10 individuals are expected to stand trial in March 2027.

This operation marks the second round of arrests under "Broken Blade," an initiative launched in August 2025 by Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles in cooperation with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Los Angeles Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol.

Special Agent Eddy Wang of Homeland Security Investigations stated, "[Homeland Security Investigations] remains steadfast in our mission to protect victims and pursue justice against human traffickers."

In a related development, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Giovana Mercedes Moreno Ochompy, a former Illinois high school teacher and illegal immigrant, in connection with a triple murder involving the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. Chicago police had initially released her due to sanctuary city policies without notifying ICE, a practice criticized by former acting ICE director Tom Homan for hindering federal law enforcement.

Additionally, the Department of Justice reported indictments against 11 migrants in a multi-state case involving sex trafficking, drug, and firearms offenses. Earlier in April, CBP announced it had prevented a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, multiple AK rifles, and other weapon parts from crossing the border.

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS continues efforts to dismantle human and sex trafficking rings across the country.

Sources