Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
Federal authorities conducted a recent operation at an underground nightclub in El Monte, California, as part of a narcotics trafficking investigation. The action was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with support from the FBI and DEA.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents arrested several individuals during the July 19 search, seizing narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of reencoded gift cards believed to be linked to an illegal financial scheme.
“In July, ICE and CBP agents worked together with the FBI and DEA to dismantle criminal drug operations in Los Angeles, California, which resulted in the arrest of multiple illegal aliens," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Unfortunately, sanctuary politicians in California give cover to criminals to run an underground club filled with drugs and illegal financial schemes.Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS law enforcement is protecting Americans and keeping our communities safe.”
During the operation, federal agents encountered 66 people who were searched and questioned. Eight were identified as illegal aliens: six from China, one from Malaysia, and one from Mexico. All eight are currently held by ICE pending removal proceedings.
The following individuals were among those arrested:
- Qingmei Wang from Asia was charged with felony possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute.
- Zedong Zhang from China was charged with trafficking or manufacturing controlled substances.
- Bo Liu from China was charged with possession of an illegal drug substance.
- Shao Meng from China was charged with obtaining money by false pretenses.
- Isaias Ramirez-Rosas from Mexico was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, vandalism, and trespassing.
