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MS-13 Leader Arrested in Virginia, U.S. Authorities Announce
A high-ranking leader of the notorious MS-13 gang has been apprehended in Virginia, officials from the prior administration announced. The 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Woodbridge, located south of Washington, D.C., on Thursday, according to reports. Law enforcement has not yet disclosed the individual’s identity but indicated he is among the top three leaders of the violent MS-13 criminal organization.
Top MS-13 Gang Leader Captured
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the arrest on social media, praising authorities. Identified as a potential captain for the East Coast operations of the international gang, the suspect’s capture is considered a significant blow to the organization.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrest
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Director Kash Patel oversaw the operation, which involved collaborative efforts from multiple agencies. Participating departments included:
- Prince William County Police Department
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Virginia State Police
Bondi described the operation to Fox News as “clean and safe,” emphasizing that “the bad guys are in custody.” She added, “Thanks to the FBI, one of the most dangerous MS-13 criminals is off the streets this morning. Virginia and the nation are safer today.”
MS-13 Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization
Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, was recently designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, alongside seven other Latin American criminal groups. The gang originated from Salvadoran immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. during their country’s civil conflict.
According to the Department of Justice, MS-13 is described as a “well-organized” entity heavily engaged in “lucrative illegal enterprises” and infamous for employing violence to achieve its aims.
Recent Apprehensions of MS-13 Figures
This recent arrest follows the capture of another alleged high-level MS-13 figure, Francisco Javier Román Bardales, by Mexican authorities earlier this month. Bardales is wanted in the Eastern District of New York on charges including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and extortion.
His apprehension occurred shortly after Mexico extradited 29 individuals associated with drug cartels, notably including Rafael Caro Quintero, a drug lord implicated in the 1985 killing of a U.S. DEA agent.
Reports indicate that Derek Maltz, then-acting head of the DEA, provided the White House with a list of approximately 30 Mexican individuals sought by the U.S. on criminal charges.
El Salvador to Accept Deported Gang Members
Meanwhile, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has reportedly agreed to accept Salvadoran MS-13 gang members who entered the U.S. unlawfully, aligning with the prior administration’s deportation strategies.
Breaking News
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.