Federal law enforcement agents along with state and local police arrested 476 gang members, associates and other criminals, including members of Mara Salvatrucha, the group which goes by the name MS-13.

Agents and cops seized 47 firearms as part of Project Big Freeze, an intensive ICE-led law enforcement operation executed in 83 cities across the country focusing on gangs with ties to drug trafficking organizations.

Through Project Big Freeze, ICE agents worked side by side with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in a coordinated national initiative against transnational criminal street gangs active within the United States.

Transnational street gangs have significant numbers of foreign-national members and are frequently involved in human smuggling and trafficking; narcotics smuggling and distribution; identity theft and benefit fraud; money laundering and bulk cash smuggling; weapons smuggling and arms trafficking; cyber crimes; export violations; and other crimes with a nexus to the border.

"Project Big Freeze is the largest nationwide ICE-led enforcement operation targeting transnational gangs with ties to drug trafficking organizations," said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE John Morton. "Through gang enforcement operations like Project Big Freeze, ICE continues to target and dismantle transnational gangs to rid our streets not only of drug dealers, but the violence associated with the drug trade."

Of the 476 arrests, 207 suspects were arrested for criminal offenses and face prosecution for various federal and state crimes, including narcotics smuggling and distribution, firearms violations, identity theft, aggravated assault, obstruction, entry without inspection and re-entry after deportation. Of those arrested, 151 were U.S. citizens and 366 were foreign nationals and face deportation either now or when their criminal prosecution is complete. In addition, ICE agents arrested another 41 individuals on administrative immigration violations.

Like any street gang, these transnational gangs also have a propensity toward violence. Their members commit a number of violent crimes including robbery, extortion, assault, rape and murder.