Newsday: MS-13 murders down on LI, but gang is trying to regroup

Police officials say that federal cooperation has certainly helped in the battle. But they warn that the gang is trying to regroup.

News 12 Staff

May 12, 2019, 2:09 PM

Updated 1,807 days ago

Share:

Murders by the MS-13 gang have dropped significantly on Long Island, according to a report in Newsday.
Newsday's statistics indicate that MS-13 members committed 28 homicides on Long Island between 2016 and 2017. Last year, two murders were reported -- one in Nassau and one in Suffolk.
Officials say the decline in deaths is the result of increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
The violent street gang rose to infamy following the 2016 killings of two Brentwood High School students, Nissa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas. Law enforcement vowed to eradicate the gang.
President Donald Trump also visited Long Island and declared war against MS-13.
Police officials say that federal cooperation has certainly helped in the battle. But they warn that the gang is trying to regroup. The plan, they say, is to keep pressure on MS-13. 
Officials estimate there are around 375 MS-13 members in Suffolk County, and approximately 500 in Nassau.


More from News 12
0:31
President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

2:39
Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

2:06
Frost and freeze concerns overnight, glorious Tuesday with temps in the 60s

Frost and freeze concerns overnight, glorious Tuesday with temps in the 60s

2:04
‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

2:19
Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

1:45
West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

1:56
Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

0:21
Orange County man killed in Sullivan County motorcycle crash

Orange County man killed in Sullivan County motorcycle crash

0:36
Yonkers native Mary J. Blige, Queens hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest selected for Rock Hall of Fame

Yonkers native Mary J. Blige, Queens hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest selected for Rock Hall of Fame

0:38
Better Than Ezra to headline Pleasantville Music Festival this summer

Better Than Ezra to headline Pleasantville Music Festival this summer

0:39
Slithering success: NY Metro Reptile Expo draws crowds to Westchester County Center

Slithering success: NY Metro Reptile Expo draws crowds to Westchester County Center

0:58
Headlines: Shooting in Poughkeepsie, New Rochelle assault, shooting threat in Beacon

Headlines: Shooting in Poughkeepsie, New Rochelle assault, shooting threat in Beacon

0:19
Traffic Alert: Gilchrest Road closed for construction upgrades in Valley Cottage

Traffic Alert: Gilchrest Road closed for construction upgrades in Valley Cottage

1:29
$3 million road construction project could impact drivers in Nanuet

$3 million road construction project could impact drivers in Nanuet

0:29
Fishkill police rescue quartet of ducklings from storm drain drama

Fishkill police rescue quartet of ducklings from storm drain drama

0:28
Yonkers volunteers clean up Old Croton Aqueduct trail in honor of Earth Week

Yonkers volunteers clean up Old Croton Aqueduct trail in honor of Earth Week

0:34
Hundreds rally in Newburgh to support Habitat for Humanity

Hundreds rally in Newburgh to support Habitat for Humanity

0:39
Local musicians compete for spots at Pleasantville Music Festival

Local musicians compete for spots at Pleasantville Music Festival

0:21
Fire crews contain transformer fire at Jackie Jones Tower

Fire crews contain transformer fire at Jackie Jones Tower

0:20
Port Jervis welcomes Azure Candle & Co with grand opening event

Port Jervis welcomes Azure Candle & Co with grand opening event