Federal authorities in Minneapolis are bringing in a new approach to combat gang violence. Recently, 45 members and associates of two gangs based in Minnesota, the Highs and Bloods, have been charged with different crimes ranging from drug trafficking to firearm use in furthering murder. The gangs have ties to at least five murders and 20 shootings. Through this initiative, prosecutors hope to cripple the influence of gang violence in the area. Traditionally, criminal cases regarding gun violence are prosecuted as isolated incidents. However, the idea of bringing members of the groups accountable and charging them through the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) may have an impact on future cases. U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Andrew Luger, claims that it is “a significant step forward in our effort to reduce violent crime.”
The decision to use the RICO charges marks the first time that prosecutors have implemented such legal tools against Minneapolis gangs. In a joint operation involving the US Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the gangs’ members have been implicated in crimes ranging from racketeering conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearm use connected with murder. Both gangs originally hail from North Minneapolis, with Bloods primarily operating on the city’s south side. The announcement to charge both Bloods and Highs occurred a year after a new initiative was launched to combat violent crime, which included a collaboration between the RICO Gang Unit.
The 45 defendants are currently in custody, while another 15 members are facing drug and gun charges. The allegations against them attest to a host of crimes, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and obstruction of justice. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite, Jr. said that “today, we have dealt a significant blow to the street gangs of Minneapolis.” However, Luger said that “we have a long way to go, we have a lot more charges to bring.”
The rising problem of gang-related violence is not limited to Minneapolis. Recently, a massive police operation in Newburgh, a small city of 26,000 people, saw 500 local and state cops and federal agents arresting 19 Bloods and Latin Kings gang members. The suspects are allegedly the principal drug dealers in the city operating violent activities. Federal drug charges have been issued, and if the 19 arrested are proven guilty, they could face life imprisonment. Newburgh has a history of crime and violence, with the highest violent crime per capita in New York State. Community leaders are concerned that there is not enough in the area to engage young people and their fear is that it will continue to drive gang-related activity.
Similarly, in Sussex, the police target dealers bringing drugs to the area from county lines, which ultimately lead to the exploitation of vulnerable children. On the other hand, in Minnesota and across America, RICO charges are now being used against gang violence. The power of RICO charges to dismantle criminal organizations that often lead to life imprisonment is a significant step forward against organized gang activity. US Attorney Luger reminds the community that Minneapolis gangs have become more organized since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. All these cases highlight the importance of addressing gang-related violence and its extensive impact on communities.
In conclusion, RICO charges have been utilized against two gangs in Minneapolis for violent crimes, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. This new approach may be a counter to isolated prosecution, which may have a profound impact on future cases. The use of RICO charges is effective as it brings members of various gang groups together to hold accountable and shut down the entire criminal organization. As such, this new approach has the potential to reduce gang activity and violence, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of local communities.
