ICE Busts Cockfighters in Harrison County MS

quote:

---

Officials with Homeland Security Investigations said matches were scheduled for later that day, and bets were being placed. Homeland Security said hundreds of chickens were on the property, and those used for fighting were equipped with sharp, bladed spurs.

“In addition to the acts of animal cruelty perpetrated by the operators and encouraged by the participants, underground gambling operations such as these often have ties to other significant crimes, including narcotics violations, money laundering and acts of violence,” ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune said. “These crimes degrade the safety of our communities, and we are proud to be the ones stopping these illegal operations.” Around 20 people were arrested for an array of charges. Officials said some of those in custody were identified as illegal immigrants.

---

quote:

---

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect the community from the perpetrators of violent crime.

---