The wave of fear instigated by MS-13 gang members in Long Island appears to be subsiding, following the arrest of nearly 40 individuals linked to this notorious group.
This recent crackdown has drawn in five individuals associated with the Hempstead Rocos, a faction of MS-13. One of the group’s alleged members has been implicated in a violent incident that left six people injured with machetes and knives after a soccer match at Kennedy Memorial Park last October.
The severity of the assault was highlighted by the fact that a victim underwent gallbladder removal, along with surgeries to repair his diaphragm and liver, as stated by authorities.
The victims in this case were aged between 20 and 51 years.
“We’re dedicated to eliminating dangerous criminals and gang members from our area, and we will persist in our efforts to make Nassau County the safest county in America,” remarked Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County executive, in a comment to the Post.
Meanwhile, Elias Wilfredo Serrano Bonilla, 21, allegedly has a lengthy history of weapon charges, robbery, and assault, claiming she had a challenging upbringing.
Authorities believe Bonilla, who resides in East Meadow, entered the United States unlawfully prior to 2016, having been arrested in Nassau in early 2020 on first-degree assault and gang-related charges.
Others involved in the attack—Edras Daniel Velasquez Giron, 19; Jeffrey Brasimir Valadales Arcaga, 20; and Pedro Martinez Velasquez, 18, along with Kelvin Martinez, 19—are also facing related charges.
According to Nassau officials, Giron and Arcaga came to the US illegally during a turbulent period in Honduras.
In December of last year, Bonilla and her accomplices were reportedly involved in a horrific machete attack on multiple people outside Uniondale’s round-abouts.
“MS-13 has a deeply rooted and violent history in New York, especially on Long Island, where they have caused fear in the community for decades,” echoed Nassau’s Republican District Attorney as he announced the recent charges.
In 2017, former President Trump made it a priority to dismantle gangs like MS-13, notably visiting Brentwood, an area known for such gang activity, in neighboring Suffolk County.
Blakeman noted that since Trump returned to Washington, there has been a “significant” drop in crime rates in Nassau.
“These operations target dangerous criminals preying upon our community, reinforcing our status as one of the safest counties in America,” remarked Blakeman, who is campaigning for reelection this November.
Rival Gang Conflicts
Recent weeks have seen a noticeable uptick in violent incidents related to gang activity, as Nassau police reported clashes primarily between MS-13 and the rival 18th Avenue gang over trivial disputes, like social media posts.
There are also tensions involving other gangs, such as the Trinitarios, notorious for their violent past, especially in the Bronx.
“Most of these groups vie for dominance,” stated Nassau PD Sgt. John Schmidt, who offered insights during a patrol in Hempstead, often referred to as the “sixth Borough” by locals.
“These gang members are armed; they don’t operate unarmed.”
During one patrol, the arrest of Joel Elvin Paulino El Dejes took place just after midnight on a drug-related charge, with police observing the incident unfold.
According to the sergeant, the arrest was made after the suspect was found with seven grams of packaged cocaine concealed in his SUV in a parking lot.
“There was violence in this parking lot just two nights ago,” Schmidt noted. “We had instances of attempted murder, stabbing injuries, and assaults in the area.”
