At least 39 arrested in Mexican Mafia sweep in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA – In a sweeping early morning operation, law enforcement officers in San Diego executed a series of raids that resulted in the arrest of dozens of individuals linked to violent criminal activities. These arrests mark a significant effort to dismantle a network with connections to a notorious prison gang, the Mexican Mafia, which has long been a source of fear for local residents.

District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that 39 individuals, many of whom have been charged with serious offenses such as murder, robbery, and arson, are now in custody. The investigation, which was months in the making, revealed that these suspects were part of a broader criminal enterprise orchestrated by cartel leaders operating from within state prisons.

The raids, which were captured by news helicopters, spotlighted the extent of the criminal activities. Authorities allege that the suspects engaged in extortion by imposing mafia-style taxes on local businesses. Those who refused to comply were threatened with violence or property damage, creating a climate of fear across San Diego.

At the heart of this criminal network, according to Stephan, is Ronnie Ayala, a convict already serving a life sentence for multiple murders committed in the 1980s. Despite his imprisonment, Ayala is accused of orchestrating criminal operations from behind bars, extending his influence across the city.

The investigation, which took six months to complete, also led to the seizure of over three dozen firearms and substantial quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Law enforcement officials believe that the murder of a 19-year-old at Chicano Park last year is linked to this criminal network, underscoring the group’s violent reach.

This operation involved multiple agencies, including San Diego police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Their collaborative efforts aim to send a strong message to those involved in organized crime: such activities will not be tolerated in San Diego County.

The arrests signify a turning point, with authorities optimistic that the removal of these individuals from the streets will lead to a substantial reduction in crime. The potential sentences for those arrested range from three years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the charges.

Stephan emphasized the long-term benefits for the community, noting that the apprehension of these criminals means a safer environment for San Diegans in the years to come. “The amount of crime that is being prevented is significant,” she stated, highlighting the positive impact of these arrests.