San Gabriel Valley, California, December 18, 2025
A federal operation resulted in the arrest of 16 alleged members of the Puente-13 street gang in the San Gabriel Valley. The criminal organization is linked to the Mexican Mafia and faces serious charges, including kidnapping, shootings, illegal firearms sales, and drug trafficking. The coordinated operation seized numerous firearms and narcotics, significantly impacting community safety in the region.
Los Angeles, CA
Federal authorities have arrested 16 alleged members of the Puente-13 street gang, a San Gabriel Valley-based organization linked to the Mexican Mafia, on charges including kidnapping, shootings, illegal firearms sales, and narcotics trafficking.
Details of the Arrests
On December 17, 2025, a coordinated operation by federal agents and local law enforcement led to the arrest of 16 individuals tied to the Puente-13 gang. This extensive operation saw agents execute federal and state warrants at over 20 locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The serious charges against these individuals include:
- Kidnapping
- Two shootings
- Illegal firearms sales
- Trafficking drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil
Authorities seized a wide range of contraband during this multifaceted operation, including:
- 76 firearms, including 14 rifles
- 1 machine-gun conversion device
- 4 short-barreled rifles
- 3 firearms with obliterated serial numbers
- Thousands of rounds of ammunition
- Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine
- Thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil
- Approximately $9,500 in cash
Background on Puente-13
Established in the early 1950s in La Puente, California, Puente-13 has emerged as a significant Latino street gang over its multi-generational presence. With a reported membership of around 600 affiliates, its operations encompass various communities including Hacienda Heights, Walnut, Industry, Pomona, and West Covina. The “13” in Puente-13 signifies its historical affiliation with the Mexican Mafia, an organization that influences Latino street gangs across Southern California. This gang has been linked to numerous criminal undertakings, which include drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, and violent crimes, prompting law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to curtail its operations.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The operation to dismantle Puente-13 represented a strong collaboration among various law enforcement agencies. This included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Covina Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Covina Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Baldwin Park Police Department. Such a joint effort highlights the commitment to tackling gang-related violence in the San Gabriel Valley and enhancing community safety.
Legal Proceedings
The arrested individuals are facing serious federal charges which could result in sentences ranging from several years to life in prison, contingent upon the nature of the charges and any previous convictions. The legal processes ahead will determine the outcomes for those apprehended, with trial dates and hearings set for the approaching months.
Community Impact
The arrests of Puente-13 members are anticipated to significantly enhance safety and security across the San Gabriel Valley. Residents there have faced persistent threats due to the gang’s activities, which include drug dealing and violence. The latest enforcement actions aim to restore a sense of order, freeing community members from the fears associated with gang violence.
Ongoing Efforts
Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to monitor gang activities and are committed to eradicating criminal networks within the area. The role of community engagement is paramount in these ongoing efforts. Residents are encouraged to actively report any suspicious activities to assist local authorities in their fight against gang-related crimes.
FAQ
What is Puente-13?
Puente-13 is a multi-generational Latino street gang founded in the early 1950s in La Puente, California. It is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia and has been involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, illegal firearms sales, and violent crimes.
What charges have been brought against the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals face charges including kidnapping, shootings, illegal firearms sales, and trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil.
What was seized during the operation?
Authorities seized 76 firearms, including 14 rifles, a machine-gun conversion device, four short-barreled rifles, three firearms with obliterated serial numbers, thousands of rounds of ammunition, approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl and carfentanil pills, and approximately $9,500 in cash.
Which agencies were involved in the operation?
The operation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Covina Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Covina Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Baldwin Park Police Department.
What impact is expected on the community?
The dismantling of Puente-13 is expected to restore safety and order to the San Gabriel Valley community, allowing residents to live without fear of gang-related crimes.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gang Name | Puente-13 |
| Location | San Gabriel Valley, California |
| Affiliation | Mexican Mafia |
| Founded | Early 1950s |
| Criminal Activities | Drug trafficking, illegal firearms sales, violent crimes |
| Recent Operation Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Number of Arrests | 16 |
| Seized Items | 76 firearms, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl and carfentanil pills, $9,500 in cash |
| Involved Agencies | ATF, Covina Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Covina Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Baldwin Park Police Department |
| Community Impact | Improved safety and order in the San Gabriel Valley |
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