U.S. authorities have arrested a top leader of the MS-13 gang responsible for operations on the East Coast, the FBI announced on Thursday.
The 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. While officials have not yet released his name, they confirmed he is among the top three MS-13 leaders operating in the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel observed the arrest from a nearby tactical operations center. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and senior DOJ official Emil Bove were also present during the operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel following the capture of Major MS-13 leader: "This is what happens when you let good cops be cops and we're going to continue to let good cops be cops across this country… We are returning our communities to safety."pic.twitter.com/kP0uWQM9fb
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) March 27, 2025
“They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy is in custody. Thanks to the FBI, we took one of the worst of the worst MS-13 members off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country are a lot safer today,” Bondi told Fox News following the arrest.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, ATF, ICE, and the Virginia State Police.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the success of the operation, posting on social media:
“Great job by Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Tom Homan, and Kristi N on the capture of the MS-13 leader – A big deal!”
Attorney General Pam Bondi: “One of the top leaders of MS-13 was apprehended. He was one of the top three in the entire country. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador and he will not be living in our country much longer.”pic.twitter.com/c3NbrPjOsk
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) March 27, 2025
FBI Director Patel also commended the officers involved, emphasizing the importance of strong law enforcement efforts.
“This is what happens when you put good cops in the right places to take down bad guys. America should be watching this, and we are proud to stand with these brave warriors,” Patel said.
Thursday’s arrest is the latest in a series of operations targeting high-level members of gangs and drug trafficking organizations within the U.S.
The FBI has successfully captured three individuals from its top 10 most wanted list within the past two months alone.
Under the Trump administration, several senior MS-13 members have been deported to El Salvador, where they face incarceration. The administration has maintained a strong stance on gang activity, prioritizing the dismantling of violent criminal networks operating across the country.