by Los Angeles, California — Federal authorities carried out a sweeping enforcement action across the San Gabriel Valley this week, arresting 16 alleged members and associates of the Puente-13 street gang in what prosecutors describe as a long-running, violent criminal enterprise linked to the Mexican Mafia prison gang.
The arrests were announced Wednesday following a multi-year federal investigation that authorities say uncovered shootings, a kidnapping, and extensive drug and weapons trafficking tied to the La Puente–based gang. In total, 20 defendants are charged in federal court, with several still awaiting their first appearances.
Prosecutors allege gang operated under Mexican Mafia control
According to affidavits filed in U.S. District Court, Puente-13 is accused of controlling narcotics distribution within its territory through violence, threats, and intimidation, while funneling profits upward to the Mexican Mafia.
Federal officials allege the gang enforced its control by carrying out retaliatory shootings and assaults, using fear to maintain dominance across parts of the San Gabriel Valley.
Prosecutors say the organization functioned as a street-level operation aligned with a prison-based criminal network.
Defendants named, more remain at large
Among those arrested Wednesday were individuals from multiple Southern California cities, including La Puente, Azusa, Rosemead, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Diamond Bar, according to federal officials.
Court records show that nine defendants were expected to make their initial court appearances Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, with seven more scheduled for Thursday.
Three defendants remain at large, while another is already in state custody, authorities said.
Charges span kidnapping, drugs, and firearms
The defendants face a wide range of federal charges, including:
- Conspiracy to commit kidnapping
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl
- Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
- Possession of machine-gun conversion devices
If convicted, nine of the defendants arrested Wednesday could face maximum sentences of life in federal prison, prosecutors said.
Weapons and drugs seized during investigation
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation reported seizing a significant cache of weapons and narcotics over the course of the probe.
According to prosecutors, authorities recovered:
- About 10 pounds of methamphetamine
- Thousands of fentanyl and carfentanil pills
- Fentanyl powder
- 71 firearms, including rifles, short-barreled rifles, and weapons with obliterated serial numbers
- Body armor, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and approximately $9,500 in cash
Officials say the seizures underscore the scale and danger of the alleged operation.
Court filings outline violent incidents
Federal complaints detail several violent episodes tied to the alleged gang activity.
In December 2022, one defendant is accused of participating in a shooting at a Covina residence. Investigators later linked the suspect to the crime after a shoe left behind while fleeing was recovered and analyzed, court records state.
In July 2023, multiple defendants are accused of kidnapping two victims in an attempt to recover property they believed had been stolen during a burglary. Prosecutors allege one victim was later released, while the other escaped after being severely beaten.
Another incident outlined in the filings occurred in May 2025 outside a La Puente liquor store. Prosecutors allege a defendant fired at a vehicle after mistaking the driver for a rival gang member, striking one of the car’s doors.
Court documents allege the shooting followed shouted slurs and a confrontation fueled by mistaken identity.
Broader impact on the San Gabriel Valley
Federal officials say the crackdown is intended to disrupt a pattern of violence that has affected multiple communities across the San Gabriel Valley. Authorities emphasized that the investigation involved cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies.
Prosecutors argue the case reflects a sustained effort to dismantle gang structures that combine street-level violence with large-scale drug distribution.
Case continues through federal court
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Prosecutors say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional evidence may be presented as the case moves forward.
Officials have not ruled out further arrests as authorities continue tracking remaining suspects and examining seized materials.
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