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Gang members opened fire on FBI agents during a massive crime sweep targeting an alleged Mexican Mafia-connected drug empire in San Diego County — with the feds arresting 35 suspects while seizing guns, drugs and cash.
The bullets flew at 6:10 a.m. Wednesday as agents served an arrest warrant at a home in Lemon Grove, according to the Justice Department. After identifying themselves, agents were targeted by several rounds of gunfire from the front door and window.
Agents briefly returned fire before retreating to safety. Nobody was struck. Tactical officers descended on the property, and the suspect eventually emerged and was arrested. The shooting remains under investigation.
The gunfire didn’t stop a two-day dragnet involving hundreds of law enforcement officers and four federal indictments charging 42 alleged gang members and associates. Authorities arrested 35, executed 10 search warrants and were still hunting seven fugitives as of Thursday afternoon.
The crackdown targeted Varrio Hidden Hills, an increasingly violent Poway street gang allegedly tied to the Mexican Mafia.
At the center was John Marquez, 49, accused of running an international drug-trafficking operation that funneled methamphetamine and fentanyl into California communities.
According to court documents, Marquez allegedly controlled distribution networks, set prices and shipped drug profits back to suppliers in Mexico.
In one exchange with a supplier, Marquez allegedly discussed an upcoming trip south, saying: “I have to count some money and send it to Sinaloa.”
The alleged operation dealt methamphetamine for $750 to $900 per pound, while fentanyl was purchased for $12,500 to $13,000 per kilogram, court documents say.
“These arrests strike at the heart of this violent, sophisticated, Mexican Mafia connected criminal gang,” US Attorney Adam Gordon said.
The investigation began in mid-2024 and spread across multiple California communities, including San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Riverside and Temecula.
The defendants face charges involving methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine distribution and conspiracy.
