HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A joint operation led by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force targeted an illegal animal fighting event in Blount County, Alabama on June 14. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The task force executed search warrants related to animal fighting, illegal immigration, and gambling activities. The Homeland Security Task Force includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), FBI, IRS, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with support from United States Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The operation resulted in 60 arrests: 55 were identified as illegal aliens while five were U.S. citizens. Authorities seized over $100K in bulk currency and recovered two firearms. Five federal indictments are pending against organizers of a criminal organization involving U.S. citizens. Additionally, four individuals face charges for illegal reentry after deportation.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in Georgia and Alabama stated: “This illegal cockfighting operation wasn’t just about animal cruelty — it was tied to a broader network of serious crimes, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and violent offenses.” He emphasized that these criminal enterprises pose threats to communities and highlighted HSI's commitment to public safety through law enforcement partnerships.
The case will be prosecuted in the Northern District of Alabama as part of Operation Take Back America. This initiative aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations using resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
