Federal and local law enforcement arrested 14 suspected gang leaders on Tuesday.

The arrests happened in Los Angeles. Officers targeted the Rancho San Pedro gang. The FBI calls this one of the most violent street crews in Southern California.

The gang has known ties to the Mexican Mafia.

FBI Director Kash Patel spoke with Fox News Digital about the bust. He says it marks a turning point in the fight against cartel-linked gangs.

“The era of cartels operating freely in America is over. Every day, the FBI and our partners are dismantling violent networks at the source, stripping their resources, taking criminals off the streets and saving American lives.”

The case began in Los Angeles and targeted the gang’s leadership. Officers seized weapons, narcotics and records from homes and meeting spots.

Investigators uncovered disturbing connections during the probe. Rancho San Pedro has links to the Sinaloa Cartel and the 13th Street gang. These groups allegedly work together to distribute deadly drugs.

They move methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin throughout Southern California.

FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director Akil Davis explained the impact of the arrests.

“This action will cause a significant setback to Rancho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords and lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents.”

Davis said the arrests dismantled the command structure of the gang.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell praised Harbor Division detectives for their work. They built the case step by step over several years.

The federal complaint charges 13 defendants under the RICO Act. A 14th defendant faces charges as a felon in possession. Prosecutors say the crew trafficked meth, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and PCP.

The gang stockpiled guns to enforce orders.

Agents also served warrants at affiliated gang locations across the South Bay. They pursued cartel supply lines tied to the Sinaloa network.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli spoke about the case. He said it shows the power of partnerships between law enforcement agencies.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta commented on the raids.

The operation “took illegal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets.”

Rancho San Pedro was founded in the 1970s. The gang mirrors the Mexican Mafia’s prison-based hierarchy. They punish disloyalty with assaults or executions according to the complaint.

If convicted, most defendants face life in federal prison.

All 14 suspects were due in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Officials said more arrests could follow as the investigation continues.

This bust represents a major victory against organized crime in America. The Rancho San Pedro gang has terrorized communities for decades. Their connections to the Sinaloa Cartel made them even more dangerous.

FBI Director Patel’s statement sends a powerful message to cartels and gangs. The Trump administration will not tolerate their presence in American communities. Law enforcement is dismantling these networks at the source.

The seized weapons would have been used to commit more violence. The confiscated drugs would have poisoned countless Americans. Fentanyl kills tens of thousands of people every year.

This gang helped distribute that poison.

The Mexican Mafia controls many street gangs in California. They operate like a shadow government in prisons and on the streets. Their brutality keeps members in line through fear.

Rancho San Pedro followed this model perfectly. They used violence to enforce discipline and expand their territory. They worked with the Sinaloa Cartel to maximize profits.

The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. They supply enormous quantities of drugs to American markets. Their fentanyl has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Breaking their distribution networks saves lives.

The yearslong investigation required cooperation between multiple agencies. The FBI, LAPD, and other partners worked together patiently. They built a solid case that will hold up in court.

RICO charges are powerful tools against organized crime. They allow prosecutors to charge entire criminal organizations. Leaders can be held responsible for crimes committed by subordinates.

These 14 defendants now face the full weight of federal justice. Life in prison awaits most of them if convicted. Their criminal empire has been shattered.

Director Patel’s leadership at the FBI is producing real results. Under his direction, agents are taking down major criminal organizations. They are making American streets safer every day.

The era of cartels operating freely in America truly is ending.