A monthslong investigation of gang violence ended successfully last week with the indictments of 11 people, providing hope that the streets of north Minneapolis will be safer.
A unique coalition of local and federal law enforcement agencies carried out the investigation and indicted members of rival gangs who have terrorized the community for years while warring over drugs and guns.
According to the 13-count federal indictment, the accused include high-ranking members of the 1-9 street gang, its offshoot the Stick Up Boys, and the rival Taliban and Young 'N Thuggin' crews. The groups have made north Minneapolis the epicenter of much of the area's illegal narcotics trade.
In addition to dealing drugs, authorities say the gangs have been involved in armed robbery, shootings and killings. They're among the worst of the gangs that have made residents of some neighborhoods afraid to walk their own sidewalks or let their children play outside.
The indictments were the result of a probe that highlighted the value of law enforcement collaboration. The investigation involved about 50 officers from the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, along with a coalition of local and federal law enforcement agencies that included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and various city and suburban police departments.
Authorities say the massive crackdown will end a long streak of gang violence that has included at least six killings and numerous shootings. And by bringing federal charges against the accused, authorities can seek longer sentences.
During a news conference, U.S. Attorney Andy Luger called the indictments "a step forward in the fight against violent crime in Minneapolis."
The fear, of course, is that the impact of the arrests will be temporary and that there are other miscreants waiting in the wings to guide the gang activity. Continued vigilance and cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies can help preserve the peace.
