Report: Hundreds Arrested in MS-13 Operation, Feds to Announce Results

Hundreds of gang members and associates have been arrested in a federal crackdown on MS-13, CBS News reported, and federal officials will announce Thursday a breakthrough in the fight against the El Salvador gang

One arrest was made because of a suspect's immigration status, according to CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan.

"The purpose of classifying him as a gang member or a gang associate is because once he goes in front of an immigration judge, we don't want him to get bail, because the whole point of this operation is to get these known gang members off the street," said Jason Molina, assistant special agent in charge, according to CBS News.

President Donald Trump spoke months ago in Long Island, New York about the administration's plans to take on MS-13, The Hill reported. 

"It is the policy of this administration to dismantle, decimate, and eradicate MS-13," Trump said at that time, according to The Hill.

Tom Homan, acting director at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told CBS News that more people can be detained thanks to the Trump administration prioritizing those who illegally cross at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"People can make allegations all day long. I got 20,000 American patriots that work for ICE. These are men and women who do their job honorably," Homan said.

• Sessions: MS-13 Street Gang a 'Priority' for Law Enforcement
• Trump to MS-13 Gang: 'We Will Find You'