Operation Summer Heat: 21 arrest warrant executed, cartel-supplied gangs targeted

(FOX40.COM) — The multi-agency, multi-year investigation “Operation Summer Heat” targeting cartel-supplied gangs led to law enforcement agencies executing 21 arrest warrants throughout the Tahoe bi-state region, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.

Video Above: 8 international gang members arrested in San Joaquin County

The operation, which is part of a nationwide FBI initiative against cartel-backed criminal enterprises, aimed to disrupt gang activity, reduce violent crime and hold cartel-linked leaders, members and associates accountable, officials said.

The counties involved include:

• El Dorado County, California
• Alpine County, California
• Douglas County, Nevada
• Washoe County, Nevada

The prosecutions are led by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, with partner agencies including:

• District Attorneys’ Offices of Alpine County
• Douglas County
• Carson City
• Washoe County
• U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California

“El Dorado County stands as one of California’s safest counties due to our unwavering commitment to prioritizing accountability for criminal misconduct. This operation underscores our dedication to public safety and justice, achieved through a robust and dynamic partnership with our local and federal law enforcement allies, working together to protect our community,” El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson said.

Officials said that those charged include Norteño gang leaders and associates accused of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. They are also accused of attempting to recruit middle and high school students. Meanwhile, some are alleged to have exploited male recruits in an effort to gain access to underage girls, according to the attorney’s office.

The defendants who were deported in March 2025 will face felony warrants if they return. These include gang members connected to fatal overdoses and members of outlaw gangs who deserted military service following the false claim of Army Infantry experience, officials said.

The law enforcement agencies and federal partners involved include:

• South Lake Tahoe Police Department
• El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
• Alpine County Sheriff’s Office
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
• Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
• Reno Police Department
• Carson City Sheriff’s Office
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

The attorney’s office said remaining active warrants will be executed in the coming weeks.

“This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting our neighborhoods,” the El Dorado District Attorney’s Office said in a social media post. “We will continue working side by side with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure El Dorado County and the surrounding region remain safe places to live, work, travel and raise families.”

Officials said those charged are innocent until proven guilty.