FBI Nabs Top MS-13 Leader Near Nation’s Capital

In a major blow to the notorious MS-13 gang, U.S. authorities captured one of its top leaders in a pre-dawn raid on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The operation took place in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C., highlighting the gang’s proximity to the nation’s capital.

The 24-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, is considered one of the top three leaders of MS-13 in the United States and the primary leader for the East Coast. Originally from El Salvador, the individual was living in the country illegally.

The arrest was the result of a meticulously planned joint operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Prince William County Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Virginia State Police.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel were present at a nearby tactical operations center to oversee the operation. Bondi praised the effort, stating, “Virginia and the country is a lot safer today,” while Patel commended the law enforcement officers for conducting a safe operation.

The capture of this high-ranking MS-13 leader is part of a broader crackdown on the gang’s activities. In the past two months alone, the FBI has arrested three individuals from its top 10 most wanted list.

President Donald Trump celebrated the arrest on social media, specifically praising Tom Homan, likely referring to his Border Czar. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also commented on the arrest, emphasizing that Virginia is not a sanctuary state.

This high-profile arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to combat MS-13’s influence and criminal activities in the United States. The gang, known for its brutal tactics and involvement in various illegal activities, has been a prime target for law enforcement agencies across the country.

As authorities prepare to release more information, this arrest marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime and transnational gang activities in the United States.

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