FBI Raids West Englewood Gang Base, Seizes Weapons Cache

Two Chicago men charged with illegal machine gun possession after federal agents uncover firearms, conversion devices, and drugs.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:03pm

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In a raid on a South Side home, FBI agents uncovered a cache of firearms, machine gun conversion devices, and suspected narcotics, leading to charges against two alleged members of the 31st and Morgan Satan's Disciples street gang for illegal possession of machine guns.

Why it matters

The raid and charges highlight the ongoing problem of illegal firearms and gang activity in Chicago neighborhoods like West Englewood, where criminal groups engage in weapons and drug trafficking that threaten public safety.

The details

According to the federal complaints, agents executing a search warrant at the home in the 6800 block of South Claremont Avenue found Julian Torres and Brandon Osorio hiding in the attic. Investigators said the majority of the weapons and contraband, including at least 17 machine gun conversion devices, were recovered from Torres' bedroom. Osorio's room also contained a conversion device and several firearms. Both men acknowledged knowledge of the illegal devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons to fully automatic.

  • The raid occurred on March 23, 2026.
  • Torres and Osorio were charged on March 28, 2026.

The players

Julian Torres

A Chicago resident and alleged member of the 31st and Morgan Satan's Disciples street gang who was charged with illegal possession of machine guns.

Brandon Osorio

A Chicago resident and alleged member of the 31st and Morgan Satan's Disciples street gang who was charged with illegal possession of machine guns.

31st and Morgan Satan's Disciples

A Chicago street gang that federal authorities say engages in illegal firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and other criminal activity, and used the home raided as a base for their operations.

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What they’re saying

“Torres told agents he was familiar with the devices and described their function, saying they make firearms go 'brrrpp' and are 'not semi-automatic' when installed.”

— Julian Torres

“Osorio also acknowledged knowledge of the devices, telling agents he learned about them through YouTube videos and understood how they alter a firearm's rate of fire.”

— Brandon Osorio

What’s next

If convicted, Torres and Osorio each face up to 10 years in federal prison on the machine gun possession charge.

The takeaway

This raid and charges underscore the ongoing challenge of illegal firearms and gang violence in Chicago neighborhoods, where criminal groups exploit easy access to conversion devices that can turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms, posing a serious threat to public safety.