Federal Crackdown Targets 18th Street Gang's Drug Trade in MacArthur Park

Authorities arrest 12 alleged gang members accused of controlling drug trafficking around the historic LA park

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Federal authorities have arrested 12 alleged members and associates of the 18th Street Gang, accusing them of controlling MacArthur Park as an open-air drug marketplace where fentanyl and methamphetamine were sold from tents and protected through violence and extortion. The indictment describes how the gang allegedly operated drug sales from tents set up in the park, blending in with homeless encampments to conceal trafficking and avoid detection.

Why it matters

The case highlights long-standing concerns about crime and drug activity around MacArthur Park, a historic gathering place in the densely populated Westlake community. In recent years, the rapid spread of fentanyl and the growth of open-air drug markets in and around the park have drawn widespread attention and alarm from residents, business owners, and city officials.

The details

Federal prosecutors say the indictment describes how members of the 18th Street Gang allegedly operated drug sales from tents set up in the park. Authorities say the tents blended in with homeless encampments, helping conceal trafficking and avoid detection by law enforcement while allowing the gang to control over a network of dealers operating in the area. During the multi-agency investigation, authorities seized more than 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl, about $80,000 in cash, six firearms, and additional quantities of narcotics.

  • Federal authorities arrested the 12 alleged gang members and associates on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • The indictment follows years of escalating concerns about open-air drug use, theft, and homelessness around MacArthur Park.

The players

18th Street Gang

An alleged criminal street gang accused of controlling drug trafficking around MacArthur Park.

Eunisses Hernandez

A Los Angeles City Councilmember whose district covers MacArthur Park, who has expanded outreach programs, housing efforts, and enforcement operations in the area.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who said the city is taking a "comprehensive approach" to improve conditions around MacArthur Park, combining expanded services for residents with increased law enforcement efforts.

Bill Essayli

The First Assistant United States Attorney, who said the case is part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks operating in neighborhoods across Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long, 18th Street and other criminals have been allowed to turn one of the city's most beautiful public spaces into a crime-infested pit. That ends today.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant United States Attorney (Department of Justice)

“Since taking office, it's been my priority to address the health and safety concerns in MacArthur Park, which have been decades in the making.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (Mayor's Office)

What’s next

Federal prosecutors say seven grand jury indictments were returned against alleged members and associates of 18th Street, and six suspects remain fugitives, including one believed to be in Mexico and another believed to be in Guatemala. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any of the defendants out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing the intertwined issues of homelessness, addiction, and crime in urban neighborhoods like MacArthur Park, and the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that combines social services, community engagement, and targeted law enforcement efforts to disrupt criminal networks and improve public safety.