Top MS-13 Gang Leader Captured by US Authorities in Virginia
A high-ranking MS-13 leader has been captured by US authorities, the FBI announced Thursday.
The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended in Woodbridge, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. While his name has not been released, he is reportedly one of the top three MS-13 leaders operating within the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly observed the arrest from a nearby tactical operations center. The operation was carried out by an interagency task force established by the Trump administration to crack down on foreign gang members in the US. The effort included the FBI, Prince William County Police Department, ATF, ICE, and Virginia State Police.
“They executed a clean, safe operation and the bad guys in custody. And thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country is a lot safer today,” Bondi told Fox News following the arrest.
At a news conference, Bondi described the suspect as “the leader for the East Coast, one of the top three in the entire country, right here in Virginia, living half an hour outside of Washington, DC.” She further stated, “He is an illegal alien from El Salvador, and he will not be living in our country much longer.”
President Donald Trump praised the capture on social media, writing, “Great job by Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Tom HOMAN, and Kristi N, on the capture of MS13 leader – A big deal!”
Patel also commended law enforcement efforts, stating, “This is what can happen when you put good cops in good places to take on bad guys. And America should be watching this. And we are proud to be here standing with these brave warriors.”
Federal law enforcement has ramped up efforts to target high-level gang members and drug trafficking rings. In the past two months, the FBI has arrested three individuals from its Top 10 Most Wanted list.
While officials have not yet elaborated on deportation efforts regarding the suspect, the Trump administration has worked to implement sweeping measures to remove violent criminal gang members, including sending them to El Salvador for imprisonment.
