The FBI has announced the arrest of one of the most powerful MS-13 leaders operating on the East Coast, marking a major victory in the ongoing fight against violent gang activity in the United States. The suspect, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was apprehended in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. Officials have not yet released his name, but law enforcement confirms he is among the top three MS-13 leaders in the country.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and senior DOJ official Emil Bove monitored the arrest from a tactical operations center. The high-profile operation, conducted without incident, underscores the administration’s aggressive crackdown on gang-related crime.
“Early this morning, one of the top leaders of MS-13 was apprehended. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador—and he will not be living in our country much longer,” Bondi stated. “They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy is in custody. Thanks to the FBI, one of the worst of the worst is off the streets. Virginia and the country are a lot safer today.”
Bondi emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to law and order, citing record-breaking enforcement numbers. “Arrests have increased 468% compared to this time last year. We didn’t need new laws, as President Trump always says—we needed a new president,” she declared. “America is safer today because one of the top domestic terrorists in MS-13 is off the streets. President Trump gave me one directive when I became Attorney General: Keep America safe.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed Bondi’s remarks, vowing that federal law enforcement will continue dismantling criminal networks nationwide. “This task force is going everywhere, across the United States, to deliver justice and ensure the security Americans deserve,” Patel said. “If you are involved in violent crime, you will meet the same fate as this individual did this morning.”
Patel praised law enforcement officers for their dedication and bravery. “This is what happens when you put good cops in good places to take on bad guys. We are returning our communities to safety, and America should be watching this moment. We are proud to stand with these warriors.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin credited the Trump administration for empowering state and federal agencies to work together in dismantling MS-13 and other criminal organizations. “This task force represents the gold standard—federal, state, and local resources uniting to eradicate violent gangs,” Youngkin said. “MS-13 and Tren de Aragua are international terrorist organizations, and they have taken root right here in our communities. It takes a coordinated effort like this to systematically take them down.”
Youngkin highlighted Virginia’s aggressive approach to combating gang crime, detailing the state’s partnership with federal agencies. “The arrest this morning took place in Dale City, Prince William County—one of the best areas in America. Yet one of the top MS-13 leaders was living here. An illegal immigrant, and he’s going back to where he came from. President Trump said, ‘Get the bad guys,’ and we’re doing exactly that,” Youngkin said.
Since launching the task force, authorities have arrested 340 violent criminals in Northern Virginia alone, Youngkin noted. “On day one, we signed a 287G memorandum to deputize state police and Department of Corrections officers to work on this mission. I want to thank Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel for their immediate support, providing the resources and capabilities we needed.”
Youngkin concluded by praising law enforcement officers for their sacrifices. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day. They wear bulletproof vests, and too often, they don’t hear a simple ‘thank you.’ Today, they deserve a huge thank you. And they deserve it every day.”
This high-profile arrest underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to eliminating criminal gangs like MS-13 and restoring law and order across the nation. With ongoing efforts and increased cooperation between federal and state agencies, the fight against violent crime continues to gain momentum.