The office said five other defendants will challenge the injunction in a trial to be held in March of 2010.

“By restricting the activities of these gang members, we expect to see a drop in criminal activity in Northeast El Paso. I would like to thank El Paso Police Department for its support in getting this gang injunction implemented and for enforcing it,” Rodríguez said.

The number of gang members under the civil injunction was cut in half. The original plan called for 27 individuals that were first sued in March.

Rodriguez said the injunction was made in an effort to curb crime and gang activity in Northeast El Paso.

Eight of the defendants voluntarily agreed to the terms of the injunction Wednesday, while five have been put under the restrictions of the injunction for failing to appear to court.

Rodriguez did not disclose why the other nine alleged members were removed from the injunction.