Santa Cruz Police Department February 23, 2017 Presentation Regarding DHS Arrests Made on February 13, 2017
Start of the Investigation October 2011 Officer receives phone call from El Salvadoran community member regarding MS 13 members who have moved into Santa Cruz area and are selling drugs and threatening other community members. Spring of 2012 SCPD Detective have begun to work the case. The case develops leads regarding businesses being extorted on Ocean St. Gang members are also identified who are in possession of firearms. Case continues to develop and Homeland Security Investigations becomes the lead investigating agency due to international ties of the gang and the large scope of investigation.
Department Of Homeland Security Lead Agency Homeland Security Investigations
Search and Arrest Warrant Planning Approximately one week prior to Feb. 13th, 2017 Case investigators gain credible information that a homicide is being planned at the direction of the gang. There is information that there may be more than one attempt at committing a homicide. The murder is to occur within next two weeks in the city of Santa Cruz. The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) petitions a Federal Grand Jury and 10 Federal Detainers for 10 individuals are issued. All 10 members are associated to Santa Cruz MS 13.
February 9 th, 2017 11:00 AM Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducts briefing at PD. All teams that are assisting with operation have representatives present. Deputy Special Agent in Charge (DSAC) from San Francisco and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) from San Jose are present at briefing. Press Information Officer (PIO) from San Francisco was also present. DSAC repeatedly advise local law enforcement that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead agency and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) will not be involved. ERO is department primarily in charge of immigration deportations and immigration enforcement operations. HSI primarily investigates gangs, narcotics, sex trafficking, child pornography
February 9 th, 2017 12:30 PM DSAC, ASAC and HSI Press Information Officer had private meeting with Chief Vogel, DC Flippo, and DC Martinez. DSAC advised and confirmed that immigration enforcement will have no part of this operation. Immigration status is not the focus of the operation. The arrest of the 10 indicted individuals will be the scope of the operation. PIO advises that he will handle all media releases and will provide information for the public.
February 13 th, 2017 Day of Operation 4:00 AM Operation begins 5:00 AM DC Flippo told by PIO that AUSA had concerns about the providing information to the public that would jeopardize case. PIO advises that he will not be releasing information until later in the day. 5:45 AM DC Flippo releases first Press release due to community concern regarding operation. 6:00 AM 12:00 PM: DC Flippo continues to communicate with Press regarding operation. HSI still not releasing information. 9:16 AM Police Department personnel secure at PD.
February 13 th, 2017 Day of Operation 2:00 PM DC Flippo hears from local news source that identification checks were being conducted at locations were warrants were served. 2:30 PM DC Flippo and Chief Vogel meet with DSAC and ask if any immigration detentions were occurring. Also ask if ICE ERO is operating in area. ASAC SF advises that ICE ERO has no participation in this operation and no immigration detentions have occurred. HSI has still not provided any information to the public. 4:30 PM DC Flippo meets with ASAC San Jose who apologizes for not releasing any media information. DC Flippo confirms that only 12 people have been arrested during the days operation. ASAC confirms. 9 arrested for Federal Indictment, 1 arrested for warrant, 2 arrested on probable cause in relation to case. No one else detained in handcuffs and transported over the hill.
Individuals and Locations Where Warrants were served Name RAMIREZ Avelar, Jose Noe Chepito *Felony warrant pursuant to indictment* MARTINEZ, Flores, Alexander Pocar Address 900 block of 7th Ave, Santa Cruz LOPEZ, Melvin Sharky RIVERA, Tomas Profugo FLOREZ Escobar, Isaias Sanpopo *not on indictment, arrested for felony warrant* 600 block of Corcoran Ave, Santa Cruz RIVERA, Tomas Profugo
Individuals and Locations Where Warrants were served Name Address ESCOBAR Ayala, Velarmino Meduza 100 block of Marin St. Watsonville Name Withheld because subject was not arrested. Sleepy *Search Warrant only* 200 block of Green Meadow, Watsonville ESCOBAR-ABARNGA, Emilio Diablo 1800 block of 17 th Ave, Santa Cruz
Individuals and Locations Where Warrants were served Name RIVERA, Ismael Casper Address 1800 block of 17th Ave, Santa Cruz MORALES, Gerber Choco 600 block of Market St, Santa Cruz ESCOBAR Cerritos, Josue Alcedis Penguino 800 block of 38th Ave, Santa Cruz
Individuals and Locations Where Warrants were served Name EDGARDO Ayala, Wilfredo Chino Address 100 block of Leibrandt St, Santa Cruz. *Located at residence in 300 block of Ocean St.* Name withheld because the subject was not arrested Hindu *Search warrant only* 1000 block of 38th Ave, Santa Cruz ESCOBAR, Abel De Jesus Osito *arrested on Probable Cause* ALVARADO-Rivera, Roberto Carlos *arrested on PC* 100 block of Rio Verde St, Daly City
February 14 th, 2017 City Council Meeting About 3:00 PM Chief Vogel presents to City Council based upon understanding of information provided from day prior 3:30 4:00 PM Members of public begin to comment on HSI activities from day prior. Information and testimony from community members seems credible and DC Flippo immediately begins to investigate claims that children were left unattended and immigration detentions had occurred. DC Flippo speaks to DSAC regarding these reports from community members.
February 14 th, 2017 City Council Meeting DC Flippo confirms HSI Policy regarding children contacted during operation: HSI has a policy regarding juveniles contacted All children are left with parents or guardians at the scene. HSI completes internal document that states the name of the children contacted and who they were left with. SCPD does not have access to these forms.
February 14 th continued DC Flippo continues to contact DSAC in San Francisco regarding reports that people had been held for immigration status only, contrary to prior confirmation that this would not occur. 6:30 PM DSAC advises that 2 females had been detained and transported to bay area DHS facility from 600 block of Market St. Advises that 2 males from Daly City were detained as well but they had direct tie to this case. The 2 from Daly City were the 2 individuals that had been previously believed to have been arrested on Probable Cause for the case. DC Flippo directs SCPD to follow up on total number of people investigated for immigration status during operation.
Follow up conducted by SCPD 10 people believed to have been detained or arrested during operation for immigration related charges. 6 of the 10 people were arrested and transported to DHS facility. Of these, 5 were released on GPS monitoring, 1 released with G 56 4 of the 10 were detained and issued G 56 forms at their homes. All people contacted or arrested were living at one of the 12 locations where warrants were served pursuant to the criminal indictment/investigation.
Actions taken by SCPD since February 13 th and 14th Communicated with HSI in attempt to identify exactly how many people were detained on immigration holds or served with future immigration hearing notices (G 56) on February 13 th. Specifically, who was detained, how many, and from what location. HSI has not provided this information and has refused to provide the information to SCPD. HSI claims that only 4 people were taken to DHS facility in San Francisco, processed and released. Possibly 6 or 7 people served with G 56 notices. No confirmed information provided as of February 22 nd, 2017.
Actions taken by SCPD since February 13 th and 14th SCPD has contacted Congressman Panetta s Office and Senator Harris Office to investigate the matter with HSI. Asked HSI to provide public with more information regarding immigration detentions that occurred on 02/13/17. SCPD was advised on 02/22/17 that this was not going to occur. Asked for (at minimum) letter from HSI explaining who was responsible for the decision to conduct immigration holds during this criminal arrest operation. SCPD was advised on 02/22/17 that this letter would not be provided.
Actions taken by SCPD since February 13 th and 14th SCPD has reached out to community groups who work with and provide services to the Hispanic and immigrant community. SCPD is scheduling several community meetings and forums with the following groups: Mercy Housing Nueva Vista Community Resources Salvation Army Live Oak Community Resource Center Monarch Services ELAC Groups from Santa Cruz City Schools Holy Cross Church Star of the Sea Church