Federal agents have apprehended a senior leader of the MS-13 gang in Virginia, a suspect described as one of the three most influential figures overseeing the criminal network’s operations along the East Coast, officials confirmed Thursday.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the arrest of the 24-year-old individual, who was residing in the country without legal status, during a live statement from the Department of Justice. The suspect was taken into custody in Prince William County, located in Northern Virginia.
“The bad guy is in jail,” Bondi stated.
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational criminal organization infamous for its extreme violence, engaging in activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and brutal assaults. The gang traces its roots to Los Angeles in the 1980s, formed by Salvadoran immigrants, and has since spread across Central America and the United States, making it a primary focus for law enforcement agencies.
Last month, the Trump administration designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying efforts to dismantle the group.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect’s name or specifics about the charges he faces, as the investigation remains ongoing.