In a sweeping crackdown that spanned two states and involved a host of law enforcement agencies, authorities executed a series of search and arrest warrants in the Lake Tahoe region on September 11, 2025. The operation, dubbed Operation Daisy Cutter, marks the culmination of a multi-year, multi-agency effort to dismantle cartel-supplied gangs and curb violent crime in this picturesque but troubled bi-state area.
According to reporting by the Tahoe Tribune and official statements from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, law enforcement teams served warrants at seven locations in South Lake Tahoe and six additional sites in neighboring jurisdictions, including El Dorado County and Alpine County in California, and Douglas County and Washoe County in Nevada. In total, 21 arrest warrants were executed as part of this coordinated strike targeting criminal organizations with deep cartel ties.
The early morning raids were anything but routine. At about 5:30 a.m., for example, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office descended on the 800 block of Maplewood Drive in Minden, Nevada, arresting brothers Noah and Toby Paul on fugitive warrants originating from El Dorado County. Both men are being held pending extradition to California. In all, the operation netted 10 arrests in California and five in Nevada, a tally that authorities say could grow as several warrants remain active and are expected to be executed in the coming weeks.
Operation Daisy Cutter is part of a broader nationwide FBI initiative aimed at disrupting cartel-backed criminal enterprises. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department emphasized that the mission is to “disrupt gang activity, reduce violent crime, and hold cartel-linked leaders, members, and associates accountable.” The operation’s reach and ambition reflect the gravity of the threat: officials say the targeted groups are responsible not only for drug trafficking but also for recruiting local youth and facilitating other predatory crimes.
The list of suspects reads like a cross-section of the region’s criminal underworld. Among those arrested were Jaxon Babson (24), Dakota Bertram (29), Carlos Estrada (26), Ernesto Estrada (24), Robert Brown (29), Amber Walker (28), Kaela Horse-Berreman (36), Roberto Guzman (61), Guadalupe Neri (28), Josue Jacquez (26), Levi Hayes (24), Joshua Van Roy (38), and Kayli Koffer (24), with residences spanning South Lake Tahoe, Markleeville, Reno, and Gardnerville. The defendants face an array of charges, including possession of cocaine, fentanyl, and ketamine for sale, illegal sale of firearms, and probation violations. Authorities stress that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
But the scope of the operation goes beyond drugs and guns. El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, whose office is spearheading the prosecution with 20 of the warrants, described the effort as “Operation Summer Heat” and highlighted its focus on accountability. “El Dorado County stands as one of California’s safest counties due to our unwavering commitment to prioritizing accountability for criminal misconduct. This operation underscores our dedication to public safety and justice, achieved through a robust and dynamic partnership with our local and federal law enforcement allies, working together to protect our community,” Pierson stated, as reported by the Tahoe Tribune.
Authorities allege that Norteño gang leaders and associates were central targets, accused of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Alarmingly, some of these individuals are said to have attempted to recruit middle and high school students, even exploiting male recruits to gain access to underage girls. The operation also netted individuals previously deported in March 2025 who now face felony warrants if they attempt to return, as well as members of notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs—including the Devil’s Disciples and the Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington (POBOB)—who allegedly deserted military service after falsely claiming Army Infantry credentials. Some suspects are also believed to be linked to fatal overdoses in the region.
The prosecutions are being coordinated not just by El Dorado County, but also by the District Attorneys’ Offices of Alpine County, Douglas County, Carson City, and Washoe County, in addition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. This unified front is designed to “dismantle violent, predatory organizations that endanger community safety,” as officials put it. The operation’s complexity and reach required the collaboration of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Local officials have been keen to clarify the nature and intent of the operation. “These actions are not related to immigration enforcement,” the City of South Lake Tahoe declared on social media, seeking to reassure the community and avoid confusion or fear among residents. Law enforcement also urged the public to keep a safe distance if they observed police activity in their neighborhoods, underscoring the potential risks involved in such large-scale operations.
Behind the scenes, the operation drew on extensive intelligence, much of it provided by residents themselves. Investigators publicly thanked the community, noting that tips from the public “directly contributed to the success of Operation Daisy Cutter.” This acknowledgment highlights the vital role that local cooperation plays in combating entrenched criminal networks.
The broader context of the operation reflects ongoing struggles in the region—and across the nation—with cartel influence, drug trafficking, and gang violence. The Lake Tahoe area, long known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, has in recent years become a battleground for law enforcement as transnational criminal organizations seek to exploit its strategic location and cross-border dynamics. The involvement of outlaw motorcycle gangs, the use of sophisticated recruitment tactics targeting youth, and the connection to fatal overdoses all point to a complex and evolving threat.
While the immediate results of Operation Daisy Cutter are significant, officials caution that the fight is far from over. With several warrants still outstanding and investigations ongoing, authorities are preparing for further action in the weeks ahead. The message from law enforcement is clear: collaboration, vigilance, and public engagement are essential to preserving safety and justice in the Tahoe region.
As the dust settles from this week’s raids, the community is left to grapple with the scope of the problem—and the promise of a coordinated response. For now, residents can take some comfort in knowing that a determined coalition of local, state, and federal agencies is working tirelessly to root out violence and restore peace to this storied mountain enclave.
