• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
CSLEA

California Statewide Law Enforcement Association

My union, My Choice!

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Join CSLEA
  • 24/7 LDF Hotline
  • About
    • About CSLEA
    • CSLEA Foundation
      • Scholarships
    • Legal Team
    • Board Officers and Directors
    • CSLEA Affiliates
    • Member Services Staff
    • Advocacy Consultants
    • Communications Division
  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division
  • Membership
    • Join CSLEA
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Insurance Programs
    • Exclusive Member Discounts
    • Member Resources
    • Supervisors & Managers Benefits
    • Member Information Services
    • Member Services Staff
  • Legal
    • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
    • Legal Defense Fund
      • LDF Team
      • LDF Plan Attorneys
      • LDF Plan Description
    • Legal Team
    • Legal Representation Committee
    • Admonishment Statement
    • Peace Officer Bill of Rights
    • Legal Victories
    • Know Your Rights
    • Legal FAQs
  • Advocacy
    • Current Legislation
    • Legislative Update
    • Legislative Request Form
    • PAC Endorsements
    • General Election Results
    • Advocacy Consultants
  • Contact Us
    • Address Update
    • Beneficiary Information Update
  • Join CSLEA
  • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
Search

News

Operation “Hands Down” Targets Organized Criminal Activity in the Central Valley

Posted on June 2, 2026

“Congrats to all of the law enforcement officers and agencies for a job well done.  The coordination and teamwork it took to take 69 suspected felons and 73 firearms from our communities go a long way to improve public safety.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FRESNO — On June 1, 2026, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of a multiagency effort targeting criminal street gangs in the Central Valley. As a direct result of this operation, investigators prevented seven violent crimes, solved two homicides, made 69 felony arrests, and seized 73 firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. 

“Through a unified front with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have successfully removed hazardous drugs and weapons from our streets while holding bad actors accountable,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This strategic and focused operation dismantled organized criminal organizations and directly prevented impending acts of violence. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated DOJ agents and partner agencies for their tireless commitment to public safety. Today, we send an unmistakable message: Organized crime cannot withstand the power of rigorous, collaborative law enforcement. Because of these collective efforts, Central Valley families can live and sleep peacefully, knowing their community is that much safer.”

In March 2026, law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Fresno, Tulare, and Madera Counties. The investigation found an extensive criminal conspiracy in which gang members and associates orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking. Sixty-nine suspects have been charged in a criminal complaint on various drug and firearms trafficking charges. 

This was a joint operation with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Kingsburg Police Department, Sanger Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, Reedley Police Department, and Selma Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

The California Department of Justice’s (CA DOJ) Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between CA DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. These unique and essential teams use advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state.

  •  Share on Facebook
  •  Share on X
  •  Share on LinkedIn
  •  Share via Email

Primary Sidebar

  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division

Footer

  • About
    • About CSLEA
    • CSLEA Foundation
    • Legal Team
    • Board Officers and Directors
    • CSLEA Affiliates
    • Member Services Staff
    • Advocacy Consultants
    • Communications Division
  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division
  • Membership
    • Join CSLEA
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Insurance Programs
    • Exclusive Member Discounts
    • Member Resources
    • Supervisors & Managers Benefits
    • Member Information Services
    • Member Services Staff
  • Legal
    • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
    • Legal Defense Fund
    • Legal Team
    • Legal Representation Committee
    • Admonishment Statement
    • Peace Officer Bill of Rights
    • Legal Victories
    • Know Your Rights
    • Legal FAQs
  • Advocacy
    • Current Legislation
    • Legislative Update
    • Legislative Request Form
    • PAC Endorsements
    • General Election Results
    • Advocacy Consultants
  • Contact Us
    • Address Update
    • Beneficiary Information Update
  • Join CSLEA
  • LDF 24-Hour Hotline

CSLEA is a Member Association of PORAC

Download the CSLEA Mobile App
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 California Statewide Law Enforcement Association. All Rights Reserved.
Website designed and developed by 911MEDIA.