The arrests took place at several city-run housing complexes, and police hope the suspects will help them close a number of shooting investigations.
The sweep was expected to net dozens of arrests, many for suspects wanted in unsolved gang-related shootings.
NYPD Commissioner William Bratton went along went with officers for the 5 a.m. arrests.
Detectives were hoping the sting would also slow a spate of recent shootings in the area.