U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, alongside multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants in southern Mississippi on May 3 targeting illegal cockfighting operations, suspected immigration violations, and related criminal activity, ICE announced Sunday.
The enforcement action, led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Gulfport office and the Border Enforcement Security Task Force, focused on dismantling a network engaged in animal fighting, underground gambling, and other offenses. Officials are investigating ties to narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, and immigration crimes.
“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,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune.
Agencies involved in the operation include ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI.
ICE and partners assess immigration status, pursue possible federal charges
Officials said ICE Gulfport agents and deportation officers are in the process of identifying individuals encountered during the operation and reviewing immigration records to determine legal status. Arrests and charges are expected to follow as investigations progress.
“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Dax Roberson, Special Agent in Charge at the USDA Office of Inspector General.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi will lead any resulting federal prosecutions. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon stated that offenders violating immigration, drug, and animal cruelty laws will be held accountable.
ICE officials have not yet disclosed the number of individuals arrested or the extent of the criminal network involved.
Mississippi cockfighting bust uncovers links to immigration, drugs, and weapons violations.
