Suffolk County, NY - May 2, 2018 - With the unprecedented surge of MS -13 gang activity in Suffolk County, Legislator Lindsay and Sheriff Toulon traveled to El Salvador and met with the Country’s leaders. It was important for them to evaluate the ways in which Suffolk County could create a relationship with trusted government officials in El Salvador and share resources in order to combat the MS-13 issue. They engaged in meetings with the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, the Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, and local elected officials.
“The MS-13 gang issue here in Suffolk County needs to be handled swiftly, and aggressively,” said Legislator Lindsay. “Instead of sitting around a conference table at one of our offices to brainstorm solutions to this problem, Sheriff Toulon and I decided to make a personal visit to the Country where this gang issue is deeply immersed in the roots of their communities. The meetings we conducted were eye opening, and extremely educational in regard to the gang culture in their Country. Unfortunately, it is embedded into their everyday lives. That is a reality that I never want to be felt here in Suffolk County. I plan to work closely with Sheriff Toulon and law enforcement in order to remain educated, and assist with the eradication of this gang here in our community. Their presence in Suffolk County is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it. ”
Sheriff Toulon stated, “This trip laid the foundation for significant cooperation between the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and our counterparts in El Salvador, which I believe will help both countries in our efforts to dismantle violent transnational criminal gang networks with ties between Central America and Suffolk County.”
All costs associated with travel including airfare, hotel expenses, and meetings that took place in El Salvador were paid for personally by Legislator Lindsay, and Sheriff Toulon. Taxpayer money was not utilized.
Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Government Operations, Personnel, Information Technology, and Housing Committee. Bill represents the 8th legislative district.