A Latin Kings gang member with a violent criminal history exploited civil unrest to steal tactical weapons from an FBI vehicle, exposing dangerous security vulnerabilities while federal agents enforced immigration law.
Story Highlights
- Raul Gutierrez, 33, allegedly stole rifle, suppressor, and tactical gear from FBI vehicle during Minneapolis unrest
- Gang member identified through facial tattoo visible in social media footage of the theft
- Incident occurred during civil unrest following ICE shooting of Venezuelan illegal immigrant
- FBI Director Kash Patel promises more arrests as investigation continues
Gang Member Exploits Immigration Enforcement Chaos
Raul Gutierrez, a 33-year-old alleged Latin Kings gang member, faces federal charges after stealing tactical weapons from an FBI vehicle during civil unrest in north Minneapolis on January 14, 2026. The incident unfolded as FBI personnel assisted Department of Homeland Security officers during immigration enforcement operations. When an ICE agent fired a defensive shot during a traffic stop targeting a Venezuelan man living illegally in the United States, protesters gathered and federal agents were forced to abandon their vehicles.
Federal authorities identified Gutierrez through a distinguishable facial tattoo visible in social media videos of the theft. The DEA previously knew him as a drug trafficker specializing in fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution. His criminal history includes multiple felony convictions for burglary, reckless discharge of a firearm, and domestic assault by strangulation, making him a prohibited person under federal firearms law.
THIEF IN THE NIGHT: A member of the violent Latin Kings gang was arrested after allegedly stealing government property from an FBI vehicle vandalized during unrest in Minneapolis, federal authorities said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Raul Gutierrez stole FBI body armor and… pic.twitter.com/ULD4BKcLJx
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 16, 2026
Tactical Weapons Cache Stolen During Federal Operation
The stolen equipment included far more than a standard firearm, encompassing a rifle, suppressor, ammunition, body armor, and additional tactical gear. This represents a significant public safety threat, as these military-grade items substantially enhance criminal capabilities. ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle emphasized that when prohibited persons unlawfully possess firearms, “the risk to the public increases dramatically, and ATF will act accordingly.”
Law enforcement apprehended Gutierrez on January 15 after spotting a Ram pickup truck registered to him at a Ventura Village residence. When officers attempted to stop a tow truck loading a covered vehicle, both the driver and Gutierrez fled on foot before being captured. The swift response demonstrates the coordinated effort between FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, and HSI to prosecute crimes against federal law enforcement.
Federal Response Promises Swift Justice
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the rifle’s recovery and declared there would be additional arrests, stating that “any individual who attacks law enforcement or vandalizes federal property paid for by hardworking taxpayers will be found and arrested.” This reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting federal agents and prosecuting those who exploit civil disturbances to commit crimes. HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito characterized Gutierrez’s actions as demonstrating “brazen and utterly unacceptable contempt for the sanctity of public safety and the American rule of law.”
The case occurred amid escalating tensions following another ICE shooting just seven days earlier, when an agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This incident highlights how criminal elements exploit legitimate immigration enforcement operations to endanger public safety and attack federal law enforcement. Gutierrez faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property, appearing in federal court on January 16, 2026.
https://youtu.be/DWSc_0BX9oM?si=EiRc4oDp6lRGdnkg
Sources:
Alleged Latin Kings Gang Member Arrested on Federal Charges After Stealing Rifle from FBI Vehicle
Minneapolis ICE shooting: Alleged Latin Kings gang member charged with stealing guns from FBI vehicle
Gun stolen from federal agent’s vehicle in Minneapolis recovered, FBI Director Kash Patel says
Alleged Latin Kings Gang Member Arrested on Federal Charges After Stealing Rifle from FBI Vehicle
