Nationally recognized 'gang peacemaker' arrested in gang sweep [Updated]

A nationally recognized anti-gang leader was among those named in a federal indictment targeting several Mara Salvatrucha gang members who authorities said today have been involved in multiple slayings, extortion and assaults.

Alex Sanchez, executive director of Homies Unidos, was taken into custody by FBI agents this morning at his Bellflower home. Sanchez and several members of MS-13, one of the nation's most ruthless and notorious gangs, were named as a co-conspirators in the indictment, which will be unsealed later today, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.

The indictment alleges that the gang terrorized the Lafayette Park area west of downtown Los Angeles.

The case of Sanchez, who admitted being a member of the MS-13 gang as a youth but said he had sworn off the gang lifestyle, became a cause celebre early in the decade when authorities attempted to deport the self-described gang peacemaker.

In 1994, Sanchez was deported to his home country of El Salvador because of a decade-old auto-theft conviction and a subsequent parole violation for possessing a firearm. A year later, he returned illegally to the U.S. and eventually helped form the local chapter of Homies Unidos.

Sanchez was granted political asylum after successfully arguing that he might be killed if he was returned to El Salvador because of his links to the Salvadoran gang and his stand against police corruption. Sanchez said he was a victim of harassment by the Los Angeles Police Department, and his case was highlighted by police critics during the Rampart corruption scandal.

[Updated at 3:15 p.m: A previous version of this post indicated Sanchez was granted asylum because of harassment by the Police Department.]

Among those who championed Sanchez's cause was former state Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles), who befriended Sanchez in the 1990s and testified on his behalf.

-- Andrew Blankstein and Richard Winton

Photo: Alex Sanchez in 2000 at the INS center in San Pedro. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[NotSorryToBeWhite]

This guy proves that if your brown or black, you can get away with anything, just by blaming the police. Police have their problems, but sometimes, if the police think you're a dirtbag....youre actually a dirtbag. Like this guy.

[Ryan]

This guy is a criminal. Dont put him in jail. And dont send him back to El Salvador, he'll just sneak back in. Try something new. Stick him in the middle of the Death Valley, with no water. He should be used to walking across the desert. AFter all he did sneak back in ILLEGALY, he should be used to it.

[juan]

Tom Hayden has been supporting urban terrorists all his life. Nice one, Tom.

[Steve]

What a joke, a man that admitted being a member of the most ruthless gang we know of and now faces charges of multiple slayings, extortion and assaults, used the excuse that the Los Angeles Police Department had harassed him to remain in this country. Tom Hayden should be named in the indictment for standing up for this gang member. If guilty I hope he he is sentenced to death for the death of the Los Angeles police detective.

[Phil]

Tom Hayden? Another lib stumping for illegal criminals. Why wont they ever learn...

[Go ahead and mod me]

This guy is a criminal. always has been always will be. Were all better off without Homies United. This guy fooled the media into thinking he was A-OK. But he still was a criminal dressed in self righteous clothes. And he used this seeming legal org. to commit further criminal acts. Close down homies untied. Its time we stopped pussyfooting around people jsut because they have a dark complexion

[russell]

Good! Get this crap off the streets for good!

[Frankie]

Silly to think that he actually left MS-13! Silly court to have overturned the deportation and let him stay in the country AFTER he had re-entered illegally! Silly Tom Hayden! Why must we spend tax dollars prosecuting and incarcerating these vicious criminals? I say send them back to their country of origin to rot in their jails! Enough of this!!!! And this is coming from a self-described latino lefty liberal! I am so tired of politicians in general and Latino politicians in particular who don't have the guts to say no to illegal immigration, no to gangs, no to lawlessness because they fear losing face with their latino constituents.

[southoc]

Wow, I guess this is what the Drean act is for. Rewarding crime..

[windu]

Ho hum. The only ones shocked are those that haven't been reading the paper for YEARS. It's old news that the government is paying "former" gang members to do "outreach". Yes, your tax dollars are funding gang crime and killings. Disgusting and stupid, but no one really cares.

[KK]

This guy fooled everybody. LAPD can't touch him but the FBI can. Moving towards 3rd world status.

[juddles]

We do not assume guilt just because someone has been indicted. Many innocent persons have been indicted in history, so I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions. In this case the criminal justice system might have ulterior motives to prosecute Alex Sanchez. Be skeptical!

[Efrain Rojas]

As a latino, I find this infuriating. Do libs really think we support scumbags like this? I got news for you democrats-we are more mainstream than you give us credit for. Just because some loudmouths picket the cause du jour does not mean they speak for all of us. Don't drink the bong water Tom. The politics of victimology are over.

[Lopez]

hahahahaha, they had his title wrong from the beginning, it should have been: "Director of Executions" instead of "Executive Director....

[Schigolch]

Tom Hayden strikes again!

[ricardo]

i just feel bad for homies unidos

[KS]

My, that's quite a conviction in the press with such a wave of racist kneejerking.

[Derrick]

Damn! Can we even wait for the official statements or EVIDENCE! After all, this is AMERICA. It's obivious why some of you have "jumped the gun" on this matter. Yes... if he is involved, he deserve anything he has coming. But to read some of these comments is really sad. The amount of hatred (evil) coming from your tones is why the so called "liberals" have to use so much caution with the true "Scumbags." But the truth is... most of you sound as bad, if not worst than "ms-13" (Gangmembers).
P.S. Wrong is WRONG!

[Jay Pist]

What an idiotic statement - "If you're brown or black you can get away with anything by blaming the police." That frame of mind is trash, and is definitely a problem. Black crime is the same as white crime, is the same as Latino crime, etc. I am a black man tired of white people using the blacks get away with it line.... suck it up, and stop watching cops.

You sound ridiculous with that racist, stereotypical assumption.

NotSorrytoBeWhite

Well this is HappytoBeABrother... not looking to get away with anything by blaming the police. Times are changing, and your 1940 mindset is dated.

[Disgusted In Signal Hill]

I'm sure some loophole will be found that will allow this thug to remain free to carry on with his gang banging activities. We can't just deport or jail this misunderstood guy.

Has Mayor Antonio weighed in yet on this? I've sure he'll tell us: "There is no evidence that the undocumented worker in Los Angeles (and that's were I can speak with intelligence) is a cause of criminal activity in the city." Maybe he'll go so far has writing a glowing letter about what a wonderful asset Alex Sanchez has been to Los Angeles.

[DVS]

Wow. A convicted criminal is deported, blaming the Police Dept. for all his woes, sneaks back in, claims he's rehabilitated, is then held up as an example of what a "ex"-gang-member convert can become, given the chance. Nice social experiment, but it's been tried before. Same results then, too. Except that this time, Sanchez was praised for his accomplishments before he was re-arrested. He and his MS-13 homies must have been getting a pretty good laugh at that one... for a while, anyway. Good riddance.

[anibal]

It is not so much what the mans color is so much as what he is being charged with. We assume, due to our justice system, that he is innocent. Some comment that he gets away with crimes and deportation because he is Latino and some even say that if one is African American or Latino that you can get away with anything, but I say that if this is the case, it still does not compare to the crimes that white men and women have gotten away with throughout American history.

[voiceofreason]

I know Alex really well. He works WITH the police and the community to GET KIDS OUT OF GANGS and STOP GANG VIOLENCE. Visit his orgs website, his community programs included community education workshops and tattoo removal. Don't disparage the mans name without knowing what he does.
http://homiesunidos.org/
This man is one of the best allies of people that want to actually get people out of gangs

[Danny A.]

He is being targeted because he helps FORMER gang members get out of this lifestyle. If he were to go back to El Salvador he would be targeted by their former government and killed for having any ties ever to MS, despite him trying to make a difference. No one likes anyone who challenges the status qou-prison industrial complex, and empowering youth who are criminalized and seen as worthless.

[Jack Ian Mayer]

Yes folks this thing is just the 'money shot'. If we aspire to assert our moral greatness as a nation we will dsicriminate between such low lives and the race, group religion etc. they are 'sociologically attched' to by those who have to gain by the predicament de jour. If these creeps are allowed to leverage their affilitation and capitalize upon puddin' headed, 'well meaning' politcs and practitioners we are doomed. Our enemies are laughing behind our collective backs.

[mav523]

This man is a RESPECTED member of the community at all levels; from neighborhood families to police to politicians. This just proves to me once again that the war on immigrants in this country continues to threaten our basic rights.

[Liz]

This is an absolute lynch mob !!! Regardless, of how people feel. Los Angeles has a severe gang problem. It's EVERYONE's problem. Not just the poor and undeserved. There are many organizations that provide gang prevention intervention work with no money from the city and depend on foundation grants. Individuals need to be fully educated before opening their mouth and placing their foot in them. The race is card is being played, and he has already been found guilty by conservatives. But what have they done to specifically address the issue of violence in our city. The attitude of its' not my problem, it's theirs, is absolutely racist. No one EVER complains about white color crimes. Do we so quickly forget about Madoff or Countrywide. Gang services are needed. Lynching Alex Sanchez won't end MS13 and will not end gang violence. Economic redevelopment and changes in our education and true commitment to end poverty will change. If you have done nothing to address violence, then sit down and be quiet. Don't complain if you have not answered your call to action. Personal accountability !! Let the FBI and the judicial system takes its course. We do believe in our judicial system right.. yeah, I thought so.

We are still at war in Iraq and our soldiers are dying in Afghanistan. Iran is in civic turmoil. How many of our soldiers have died for a war not in the US. How many trillions is it costing. But, we don't have money to address our growing gang violence problems. Priority people. If you are outraged than call your therapist or get up and do something. One man can't absolve all of LA of it's deep rooted gang violence problem. That's too much credit to him. Remember there are over 700 gangs in Los Angeles County. 700 gangs with thousands of members. Do the math and try again.

[Elvis]

I don't know what's more appalling; the fact that a peacemaker and great asset to the community was indicted or the racist/ignorant comments I just read. My thoughts and prayers are with Alex and I know this will not stick.

[One Day at A Time]

Assuming he and other former gang members in fact relapse to behave criminally. One can look to people receovering from drug addiction a behavior that is a relapsing condition. All behaavior change must be maintained and if not one can become vulenerable to influences that reverse the course from pro-social conduct to criminal activity.

[Tafarai Mokannen]

Yes...I know this guy personally....Yes...I vouch for his work. I've met those youth he has helped....and the Police are wrong on this one.

I think if any of you have the guts to do the work this man has done to help young people get out of realities that you probably have zero experience with and probably don't have the strength of character to overcome (I say that judging by these shameful cowardly attacks on a man's character, word and record via the internet :P ) then by all means speak. Better yet...show me what you've done to save lives and bring peace to this world.

Otherwise...please....get a purpose besides hating on your fellow man and do something constructive with your life...do yourself that favor.

[JohnfromCali]

Ryan, you are a complete idiot to say this on a board that is riddled with input from Latinos. I too get infuriated with presumed scumbags getting away with this sort of action; especially with tax dollars. And the fact that I am a Latino makes me hope that if he is indeed guilty, that he gets a hard and swift penalty since that makes the rest of us look al the worse. But putting him in the middle of the desert without water? THIS COMENT INFURIATES ME!!! Read your history books you racist jerk! Your type of 'justice' used to happen on a regular basis years ago when white supremacists like yourself used to do that exact thing to innocent Latinos: round them up and take them out into the desert to die. What a JERK! Your insensitivity makes me just want to sit down with you and have a very long man to man 'talk'. A very long and painful (for you) one.

[Angie Junck]

Learn about the man and his work before going out and accusing him. If any of you gave a damn about your communities and really solving the gang problem, you would recognize that this man and other gang interventionists are making a real difference while law enforcement has done nothing to get at the root causes of gangs; instead they have just exacerbated the problem.

[Big Brother vs. Little Brother]

F
B
I

For Brutality & Injustice

[Tara Murphy]

Sanchezi is a traitor to all communities, in particular the latino community where gangs breed and infect the neighborhoods. He is a common, cynical, low-down thief for profitting from the tax payer funded "Homies Unidos" while he promoted and participated in criminal acts.

Reverse the asylum order: deport the s.ob.

[El Guapo]

Some of you people are ridiculous, do you really think the FBI trumped up charges on this guy? He should have never been here to begin with you freaking liberals.

[nickyo]

If you do not work with "at-risk" youth, then why and who are you to judge this man? Don't be mad because you scapegoat other people for the world's problems. Be a part of the solution.
Criminals on Wall St. cry help and get away. There's no evidence here and you're already condemning. Young people are dying because of the BS War in Iraq and odds are, you just agreed with it or failed to even protest it. If you did protest, then it shouldn't be hard to understand who's fighting to help our communities in the war we face in poverty at home here in the US.

These charges can't stick anyway...people...what have we learned from watching crime dramas on TV...stop kneejerk reacting out of fear and stereotypes, WTF it's 2009 already...

[Joshua Kim]

It is much easier to charge and convict an individual of conspiracy and, well, RICO than most people imagine. It is possible (though very, very unlikely) that Alex actually conspired to commit a crime with MS-13 members. What is much more likely is that, in his effort to reach out to gang members, Alex exposed himself to the possibility of being perceived as providing support to their criminal activities.

"Hey, I understand what you're going through and why you want to kill that police officer. He's a scum-bag, and he deserves what's coming to him." That may be enough to establish conspiracy to murder the police officer. Without that kind of empathetic statement, though, I don't know how anyone can establish a trust relationship with gang members to eventually get them out of the gang. I offer this hypothetical not to say that this is what happened, but to illustrate how easy it is for someone to commit a "crime" of conspiracy.

Conspiracy doesn't require any active involvement other than the knowledge of a criminal plan and of the general intent that it be carried out, which can be proven by circumstantial evidence. At the end of the day, I doubt that prosecutors can prove Alex guilty of any crime. But I also doubt that Alex can prove his innocence to the public and to the media... And I fear for the damage this is going to do to the community-based anti-gang efforts headed by Homies Unidos.

[CO]

Alex Sanchez has earned the respect of many people for a reason: he has worked towards building peace in the community and has risked his life to bring people together. His message has been to treat others with loving kindness and compassion, instead of violence. We should not act out of ignorance and bash his legacy of peace and community organizing or criticize the work of non-profits like Homies Unidos who work to prevent gang violence. Alex Sanchez is innocent until proven guilty. We should wait to hear what his lawyers have to say and what evidence the feds have against him before jumping to any conclusions. Contrary to popular belief, we actually do have a constitution and due process rights in this country.

[Hector]

Most people commenting on this for one, do not have the authority to even begin to talk about gangs, the origins and the root causes.

I have personally met Alex and can say that he is a great man doing gang intervention work in LA. Yes, he was a former gang member, most people doing gang intervention work were once gang members them selves. It's the nature of the work.

To the community doing work with gang intervention work, we have great respect for Alex. He is not a gang member, he is being target because he advocates for the rights of immigrants and works with a high profile gang such as the MS-13, and has been vocal in that the MS-13 is a minor problem in comparison to the prison system, deportation policy and the corrupt relations between US and El Salvador.

I hope that people criticizing Alex would 1. Find out about his work in the community 2. learn about deportation policies and how they have contributed to the growth of the MS-13 gang before you comment on such forums.

It is unfair to make such vocal public statements with out knowing all sides of the story.

[Ely F]

Alex is a testament to being able to leave an old life behind and becoming an agent of change and an asset to our community. The comments are ignorant and hold no intelligence. Historically things like this have happened to community activist and strong icons of the community.

You will see that the accusations are false. It is just another strategy to criminalize our community. Community Organizations and Activist must stand in solidarity.

[FAIR and NEUTRAL]

"The indictment alleges that the gang terrorized the Lafayette Park area west of downtown Los Angeles." Key word: ALLEGED = to assert without proof! Look up the definition in the dictionary for those of you who are so quick to judge. I feel all criminals, no matter what color, should face all consequences of their crime. If Alex is guilty of these crimes then he must be convicted accordingly. I am neutral in the matter because I believe he must be proven guilty before I decide he is or isn’t. His organization has done great work and this must NOT taint all the work that has been done. It is beyond me how people can be so hateful; I feel sorry for those who feel of a superior race and don’t see the value in every human being; that hate translates as unhappiness to me. I hope all of you who have been quick to judge find peace with yourselves and no matter what the outcome is, you need to look within to find out what makes you hate so much. A white man who rapes does not make me hate white men. A brown man that kills does not make me hate brown men. A black man that steals does not make me hate black men. An Asian man that extorts does not make me hate Asian men. Hate propagates hate thus proliferating violence! For those of you who hate people different from you, you are committing a crime, what makes you better than any criminal?

[Natalia]

All the racists crawl out of the woodwork to convict a man without a trial, then call themselves patriotic Americans. Do you klansmen believe in due process? The right to trial? Do you believe in anything beside your race hate?

Homies Unidos has done a lot of good for a lot of people. This is a tragedy and I wish Alex my best. No, I will not convict someone without a trial.

[BruceAlmighty]

Shoulda been deported long ago, along with ANYONE who is in this country illegally. If I was in a Latin American country illegally, exactly what would happen? Beaten, robbed, family extorted by corrupt law enforcement at every level. So let's try that for a change. That would be "equal"

[maria]

This is ridiculous, hysteria over Ms-13 led to this atmosphere where anyone can be targeted, even this man doing exemplary work in his community. I have no doubt that he will be exonerated. Those of you cheering the dismantling of our civil rights, should think twice you never know when you might also be the target.

[Kelvin]

Welcome to reality. You people are so willing to believe that it is so easy to leave the gangster lifestyle that you ignore the reality that gangs are a one way street. The indictment of Sanchez is just another example of how entrenched criminality is in the make-up of a gang member.
How can you seriously expect gang members to reform when the choices they have are so limited? Work hard and just be an ordinary citizen, or remain attached and available to 'do work' for the gangs and live like a king?
I put it to you that there is no way out of the gang culture that is acceptable to politically correct politicians. They do not want to acknowledge that the only way to deal with gangs is to crush them like the vermin they are.

[jah]

I don't remember seeing actual evidence in the article, yet people have already judged.

[Pedro Reyes]

The irony of the “mobsters” behind the Justice system…

If you really want to open the discussion of the root of the problem or birth of “La Mara Salvatrucha” gang then begin by analyzing the “truth” of the U.S. International foreign policies; and the affects on Latin America.

Look at the reality of our government direct correlation to the destruction of the Latin American economy and exploitation of human rights (around the globe). Yes, ‘American’ folks accept that reality of this nations history… it has been based on white supremacy at all costs…”SLAVERY, Manifest Destiny, The Alamo, The Monroe Doctrine act, The Gold Rush, The Panama Canal, The Cuban Embargo, The Mexican- U.S. border, Dole Fruit company in Guatemala (that brought the Civil war) and the funding of the civil war (death squads) in El Salvador which created the largest migration in the history of El Salvador to this country and not to mention NAFTA.

What about the hypocrisy of our governmental institutions and officials? Who have been involved in direct crimes and are the perpetrators of “domestic violence (or terror)” who so honorably hold their secrets and dirt. Or the “white militias” all across the nation, the KKK, the minute men, multi billion dollar corporations CEO's, Wall St. bankers, police officers and crooked politicians but since they are “U.S. citizens” then that makes them OK right?

The poor history of the “Justice System” & bad politics will soon take “US” to the next civil war in this century.

I am a freedom rider.

[JaY]

I am shocked at some of the comments I have been reading. It makes me sick to think some of you think that programs like Homies Unidos are not vital in our communities. I worked for Homies Unidos and am proud to say that. The work the organization does is amazing on many levels. In the los angeles area there are only 2 organization that offer Free tattoo removal and Homies Unidos is one of them! I now work as a peace officer and see the great need for non profits that deal with gang intervention! Alex Sanchez is a great assit to the community that he serves. Do your research before making assumptions, Homies Unidos recieves private funding so don't worry about your tax dollars being spent on something useful!

[Lea Monique Chavez]

My prayers go out to Alex and the many families his life and work commitment have touched including my own. I have much respect for Alex. I was honored to meet him personally, as well as be interviewd by him. It takes one of our own, to touch our lives, to move us to change and trust, his work represents this. We need more people like him, responsible with the power he has.I have no doubt justice will be served and then some in this matter. Shame on all the hateful, ignorant people who wrote with such disrespect. Have more respect for yourself. God forgive them for they know not what they do. With sincerety, love and respect, Lea M. Chavez

[aqeela Sherrills]

Is it so hard to believe that the LAPD targets Gang Interventionist? Remember Rampart? Lawsuit paid by us, the tax payers, to victims of LAPD range in the $100 millions for years! If im not mistaken, it's now down to about $60 to $75 million in 2008 because of the Descent Decree, Community Activist and Chief Bratton ( in that order).

Due in large to the "Gang Peace" movement and activist like Alex Sanchez ( Sanchez using his influence to stop many, many killing and retaliation), Los Angeles is not even on the most violent city list after 20 years! Do you know how much the City allocate toward high risk Intervention program like Homies Unidoes annually? about $3.5 million.....and that's for the entire City! (Check it for yourself). I bet you thought it was $24 million, the bogus number that you here in the media. Compare that to what "WE", the tax payers paid in lawsuits for LAPD last year..... I say "we" because for some reason some of you who commented of this story speak as if you are the only one paying taxes! There is no comparison when you analyze $3.5 million to $60 million (these are lawsuit, im not mentioning the Billion dollar budget that LAPD has)! Rather you are Liberal or Conservative.....we are all being taken advantage of because we fail to do our research. So what's the real issue? Over paying Law Enforcement for a job they cant do? or under-investing in PEOPLE in communities to resolve their own problems? you choose.

Im not trying to find someone to blame, im only laying out the facts. I, like Alex and many other Fathers in our community are seeking to find balance and alternative solutions to the conflicts that have raged out of control for decades in our neighborhoods. Yes, we take responsibility for the role we played in our own wounding. And Yes, we are equally prepared and skilled to provide the solutions to our own healing. Why is this not exceptable? who is more qualified to provide healing and solution to urban street gang wars then those who have healed from their childhood truama that had them gang banging in the streets? Oh, you think that gang violence is the problem? Sorry, Gang violence is only the symptom of the real problem which is rooted in the sexual, physical and psychological abuse we have ALL suffered, in many cases at HOME first. You think your different because you grew up on the "West Side" or Signal Hills? In South Central the Sexual, Physical and Psychological abuse expresses itself as HOMICIDE, in affluent communities SUICIDE. Just opposite sides of the same coin. WE ARE THE SAME! You know why, because sexual, physical and psychological abuse are all tools of COLONIZATION.....The U.S. was built on violence, starting with the Manifest Destiny (massacre of Natives, enslavement of people of Africa Descent and the spoon feeding of the lie of "supremecy" to people of European Descent) and still is the most violent country on the planet. Have we forgotten? I consider gang culture the "shadow" of our great nation:-).....neither perpetration of violent acts are right, however to blame is to sustain the ignorance that duality has created.

We are still playing out the slave masters games on each other. Whether Alex is here illegally or not ( We are a country of immigrants!), he is a good man, a GREAT Father and a TAX PAYER! He deserves the right to have his day in court to prove himself innocent against these allegation. I admire him for the sacrifices he's made in his community to stop the killing against all odds. and the message of peace he has taken back to his mother country(El Salvador) under death treats...For those who have something to say negative about this man and dont know him...Your feet would dangle in his shoes!

He is Innocent until proven guilty......That's American!

[grod]

Let’s get a broad prospective on this. When a man of the cloth devotes his life to service and suddenly he’s alleged to have molested a child, we don’t say, but look at all the good he has done for countless other kids. Now, I’m not saying Sanchez is a child molester, but if he committed the crimes he is alleged to have, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of all the good he has done previous.

This allegation definitely gives a black-eye to the legitimacy of countless gang interventionist, who has and still provides a much needed service to our community.

The above statement can be made in regards to LAPD (Rampart and the beating of Rodney King). The point is one rotten apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. There is good and bad in all social and economic walks of life, so to paint a whole group of interventionist with a broad brush is narrow minded and ignorant.

There are a lot of arm chair critics and Monday morning quarterbacks that act like they have the answer to our cities gang epidemic. The truth is, there is no one cure, it going to take a community (education, after school programs, community based organizations, foundations, clergy and law enforcement) to fix this problem. Complaining about a problem has never fixed it. People have grown accustom to complaining, but rarely have or want to be a part of the solution. Complaining does nothing more than fall on def ear.

Lastly, don’t rely on third hand information, that is to say don’t believe everything you hear, take the time to investigate/research and draw a conclusion from your finding, you’ll find this much more gratifying.

[Janice]

This is the most disturbing bit of news I have heard in a long time. I am a university professor that has been researching the work of Homies Unidos and its effects on the community (absolutely positive); and am just sick about what this means for the organization and its amazing work. Does anyone know who is going to defend Sanchez or how to reach him? I've never met him, but I would love to send a letter of support.

[marcos velasquez]

I'm 20 year old man that know's alex's work and the positive movement. I'm actually working on a documentary that deals with the positives and negatives of gangs and alex was going to be the main person in my film. This is just non sense I woke up by phone call from my producer telling me the news. I'm just pissed at this system and I bet those closer to them are too. Alex has saved so many lives and deserves more respect but this government. I thought we were going to have a little bit more freedom now that Hoover is out of the chair. But we don't, we went from one pig to another pig.

If you really want to make a stand about this email me. Jayteno51@gmail.com

[jkabrera]

Alex is a loving, father, activist, youth-advocated and non-violent anti-gang peace activist. This is America, so afford him his rights of due process and a fair trial judged by a jury of his peers. So all you ignorant people posting this look at the facts for yourself- the actual indictment, the fact that NO detective was killed (its only a conspiracy), alex's track record over the last 11 years, before you spew venom off your mouths. Stop being Anti-American. And shame on the Los Angeles TImes for such a criminalizing headline, you should be the first one to obtain the indictment text and then report accordingly.

[Francisco V]

This is sickening...If people only spent as much time and effort on our kids...Preventing them from joining gang in the first place..Not spending tons of money on criminals who have made life choices long ago and refuse to break away from the gang lifestyle. Alex Sanchez is a prime example of waste. Connie Rice said it best Some gang member / interventionist have a tough time breaking away from old gang ties. It is documented that Alex Sanchez missed several meetings when it came on the topic of violence directed by MS-13. Also why is it, despite having access to tattoo removal services, Alex still has MARA SALVATRUCHA tattooed across his chest....This after claiming he left the gang some time back in 1997....In 11-12 years after cutting ties!!! What a joke... On the topic of Tattoo removal how many of these referrals where to home boys who removed those visible easily identifiable to Police tattoos. The ones that get you caught!! FACE, ARMS, NECK....Like many others who removed only those obvious ones to fool the courts, probation and parole of their rehabilitation Alex has remained active in his own way. Keeping the Tattoo on his chest to remain loyal to his hood. Alex Sanchez has been an opportunist with fortunate timing...seizing the on the Rampart scandal as a backdrop to remain in this country. Suddenly becoming a so called "Interventionist". Necessity is the mother of all invention i guess....Alex needed to remain so with that he was reborn.. Nothing more than a criminal background, membership in a violent street gang with untold acts of mayhem in murder in his resume Alex was now qualified to save our youth. How does it really surprise anyone that Alex is able to walk around a hang out in MS 13 area with other active members. A man who has allegedly turned his back on the gang, advocating against the gang and all others in general. How is it that despite Alex's alleged efforts against gangs, hes allowed to walk and associate freely in these territories. It because he has never left them, he has only added another dimension to the gang. An asset an advocate for the gang who's activities include dozens of homicides over the past decade. Some of these homicide against their own for violating gang rules. Alex Sanchez seems immune to these rules despite breaking the most sacred rule....Leaving the gang, becoming a loose end, liability to homies you have robbed and killed with. This is possible because Alex really never left he just evolved, like many criminals who get wise to the legal an socials systems of the day. People who can see the facts for what they are cannot deny the truth. True believers will always see in Alex what they want him to be not what he in really is. Question is when some or all evidence is made public and we see or hear Alex participating in some of these crimes hes charged in what then? Interesting too Homies Unidos updating their web page adding in several photos of Alex with probably unknowing celebrity boosters....How fast will they run when the truth comes out and is undeniable??

[not sorry to be brown]

some people make the most ill- logical comments. for example the last ones... they are the type the government are using against alex. they are of the type you cannot reason with. maybe they are being paid by the .....

[Obama Man]

Unfortunately if you are brown or black you will most likely be targeted for anything. That is the problem with racism, not that people don't like you but that police can kill you if they don't like you. By the way, most people are good people. After all, most black and brown people are not criminals. I am from the hood and I've never even got a moving violation ... but I've received plenty harassment. Fortunately for me, I know the police work for me and better stand tall when they talk to me. Well they usually don't know it until I've written them up and sent their names into the News papers and local police. Harassment ends when you use your right of free speech. Black and Brown people don’t have power because of color but their power comes when they are willing to express what is RIGHT!