Federal agents conducted a raid on Wednesday at a Bronx home occupied by a group of gun-toting, drug-dealing squatters, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. The intervention by Homeland Security occurred after recent reports detailed the chaos caused by the squatters, leading to their apprehension for gun and drug charges. Additionally, one of the individuals arrested had previously brandished a pistol on the property, drawing law enforcement attention.

Hector Desousa-Villalta, 24, was featured on the front page of The Post following his alleged display of a firearm on March 27, which ultimately led to the discovery of the squatter gang. Desousa-Villalta, along with two others, Yoessy Pino Castillo, 20, and Yojairo Martinez, 42, were taken into custody by a team of federal agents on Wednesday afternoon, according to sources within law enforcement.

While a spokesperson for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the raids, specific information regarding the operation was not disclosed. Desousa-Villalta expressed his intention to leave the house, claiming he was deceived into residing there. However, law enforcement officials revealed that ICE plans to deport him.

The group of squatters had taken over a multifamily dwelling in the Norwood section of the Bronx, located across the street from PS 56 on Hull Avenue. Desousa-Villalta's actions of brandishing a 9mm CZ pistol in an alley near the residence prompted the initial arrest. Surprisingly, despite all six individuals from the same house facing similar charges, a Bronx Criminal Court judge released Desousa-Villalta and five others without bail, while two, identified as Javier Alborno and Miguel Vaamondes-Barrios, were held on bail following their hearings.

The disparity in judicial decisions to either remand or release the defendants remains unclear. Alborno, found in possession of multiple firearms, including a 9mm pistol, was ordered to be held on $100,000 bail or a $300,000 bond. On the other hand, Desousa-Villalta, who was also allegedly armed, was released under supervised conditions, despite the district attorney's recommendation for bail to be set at $150,000 cash or a $450,000 bond. Prosecutors acknowledged the lack of direct evidence linking some of the individuals to the seized firearms and drugs.

The reason behind the differential treatment of the defendants by the court administration was not disclosed. When asked for comment, an Office of Court Administration spokesperson stated that judges have discretion in making bail decisions based on an evaluation of the defendant's flight risk.

It is anticipated that federal authorities will face challenges in deporting the arrested individuals, considering New York City's sanctuary policies that limit communication between local law enforcement and ICE when dealing with undocumented immigrants. Law enforcement sources revealed that four of the squatters were previously denied entry at border checkpoints due to their lack of permission to enter the country.

Although some members of the squatter gang have prior records, such as Desousa-Villalta, who was reportedly involved in a shooting incident with another migrant last summer, and Javier Alborno, who has previous shoplifting charges in New Jersey, there is no evidence to suggest that the group has connections with criminal gangs abroad, according to law enforcement sources.

Neighbors residing above the property expressed their relief following the arrest of the squatter gang, citing their disruptive behavior, playing loud music, and failure to pay bills. They expressed gratitude over the respite from persistent disturbances caused by the group.

As the investigation continues, federal agents and immigration authorities will work to dismantle the activities of this gun-toting, drug-dealing squatter gang while navigating legal challenges associated with their immigration status.