Full Breakdown
Federal Indictment Targets La Familia Nunca Muere in Puerto Rico
5/22/2026, 1:57:45 AM
Core Event: Grand Jury Returns 23-Count Indictment
On May 12, a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico indicted 23 alleged members of the transnational gang La Familia Nunca Muere. Fourteen face racketeering, murder, drug-trafficking and firearms charges and could receive the death penalty; nine others are charged with conspiracy.
Background & Context: Task-Force-Led Investigation
The gang uses violence to control illicit markets across borders. The case was built under the Homeland Security Task Force, which pools federal, state and local resources. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the transnational-crime probe, working with the FBI and DEA.
Key Figures & Groups
Primary actors include the gang La Familia Nunca Muere; U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, who announced the indictment; FBI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris; DEA Caribbean Special Agent in Charge Michael Mayer; and HSI, the ICE division handling transnational crime.
Timeline of Investigation and Indictment
Data & Statistics
Fourteen defendants face possible capital punishment; nine others are charged with conspiracy; the indictment lists racketeering, murder, drug trafficking and firearms violations.
Why It Matters: Public-Safety Implications
The death-penalty possibility highlights the seriousness of the alleged crimes and signals a federal push to dismantle violent gangs that endanger public safety. A conviction could disrupt the gang’s cross-border operations.
Official Statements & Responses
Muldrow said the RICO charges give prosecutors a tool to break gangs that treat murder as business. The FBI’s San Juan office pledged aggressive cooperation with partners to target violent groups. DEA officials noted the probe focused on individuals using intimidation to expand their criminal reach and spread fear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This criminal Enterprise used gun violence and murder as mere business tools to maintain power and control.” — W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney
- “This criminal Enterprise used gun violence and murder as mere business tools to maintain power and control. The filing of RICO charges gives us the capacity to systematically dismantle the violent gangs that fuel bloodshed and keep families living in fear,” — W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney
- “The FBI will continue working aggressively alongside our federal and state partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle violent criminal organizations that threaten our communities,” — Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge, FBI San Juan Field Office
- “DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Mayer said in a news release: “This investigation targeted individuals who believed they could use murder and intimidation to strengthen their criminal organization and spread fear throughout our communities.” — Michael Mayer, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Caribbean Division
What’s Next: Ongoing Prosecution and Enforcement
The defendants will be arraigned and face a federal trial where the death penalty could be sought. Law-enforcement agencies say the Task Force will stay active, monitoring related networks and pursuing further prosecutions as evidence develops.
