Major raid on MS-13 gang brings relative peace 3 years on

BOSTON (AP) — Nearly three years after the nation’s largest single takedown of MS-13 gang members, residents of strongly Central American communities in the Boston area say the streets are noticeably quieter.

Data suggest violent crime in areas where MS-13 is most active has dropped since the raid. But Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Gerard Bailey cautions that MS-13’s presence remains strong, and police worry the gang might be rebuilding.

Sandra Aleman-Nijjar is an East Boston resident who says she and others will continue their weekly summertime peace marches that began during the height of the gang violence four years ago.

The cases against the nearly 60 MS-13 members arrested in the 2016 sweep are winding down this month in Boston federal court as a number of gang members face sentencing.