Attack against violent gangs: FBI, Milwaukee police team up for early morning raid

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was another attack against violent gangs -- and the crime they bring to Milwaukee's streets. The FBI joined forces with Milwaukee police on Friday, July 18th to raid several houses and arrest suspected gang members -- and FOX6 News was with them for an exclusive look at what happened.

Armed with search warrants and months of investigation, officials believe they are rounding up some big fish drowning city neighborhoods in violence.

"These gangs are involved in a host of crimes, whether it's armed robbery, whether it's shootings, whether it's homicide. or whether it's drug trafficking," said Rob Botsch of the FBI.

The joint effort between federal and local officials is sweeping through the city. Several weeks ago, law enforcement displayed some of what they are finding in their raids.

"The main thing we are targeting is violence reduction. So in this particular case, guns and drugs are generally the precursor to violence within our community. that's really what we're after," said Botsch.

The FBI says this is not a problem solved overnight. But with their raids early in the morning, they are making a difference -- and it won't end here.

"There's other people out there that are going to jail. they just don't know it yet," said Botsch.

A third raid was done Friday morning in the 2700 block of Buffum. Officials believe many of those arrested are connected to the same organized crime ring.