In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, U.S. authorities apprehend a 24-year-old individual identified as one of the top three leaders of the MS-13 gang in the United States. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, is taken into custody early this morning in Woodbridge, Virginia, a suburb just south of Washington, D.C. The arrest results from a coordinated operation involving the FBI, ATF, ICE, Virginia State Police, and the Prince William County Police Department.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the arrest and highlights the seamless interagency cooperation that led to the suspect’s detention. She states, “They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy is in custody. 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 are a lot safer today.”
Former President Donald Trump reacts swiftly on social media, celebrating the arrest as proof that his immigration and law enforcement policies are working. He praises his longtime immigration enforcer Tom Homan, saying, “Just captured a major leader of MS-13. Tom Homan is a superstar.”
Homan, now serving as Trump’s border czar, echoes the sentiment and credits the administration’s hardline immigration strategy for recent successes in dismantling criminal networks like MS-13. In an audio statement, he notes that the gang’s reach across the U.S. is weakening due to these efforts but stresses that continued focus, especially on the northern border, is necessary.
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s and grew into a violent transnational criminal organization with a reputation for brutal tactics, including murders, human trafficking, and drug distribution. Its influence extends from Central America into many parts of the U.S., including suburban communities like Prince William County.
The arrested gang leader is allegedly responsible for organizing racketeering operations across state lines and may be connected to several unresolved cases under federal investigation. Officials have not released the suspect’s name due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Today’s arrest is part of a wider national initiative to crack down on gang-related violence. Since the beginning of March, a joint federal task force has identified more than 500 individuals connected to criminal enterprises and made over 300 arrests. Of those detained, more than 80 have confirmed links to violent gangs like MS-13.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin joins other conservative leaders in praising the operation. In a press conference, he reaffirms that Virginia will not operate as a “sanctuary state,” and that cooperation with federal immigration enforcement will continue to be a priority for the commonwealth.
The takedown of a top MS-13 leader sends a clear message that law enforcement is aggressively targeting gang hierarchies at all levels. Officials say additional arrests are expected in the coming weeks as investigations expand.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2025/03/27/us-news/top-ms-13-leader-arrested-by-us-authorities-in-virginia-fbi/
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ms-13-gang-leader-arrested-virginia-2025-03-27/
https://www.fox5dc.com/news/top-ms-13-leader-arrested-woodbridge-sources
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/27/politics/alleged-ms-13-member-arrested-bondi/index.html
https://www.newsweek.com/maga-celebrates-arrest-top-ms-13-leader-tom-homan-superstar-2051369
https://www.foxnews.com/us/top-ms-13-leader-arrested-virginia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlUmN83S-EA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQdChaR9tHo
