Authorities Arrest Alleged MS-13 Leader Near DC

Law enforcement agencies recently worked together to facilitate the arrest of an alleged high-ranking MS-13 gang leader near Washington, DC.

Key Takeaways

A top alleged MS-13 gang leader was arrested in Virginia in a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.
The suspect is an undocumented migrant from El Salvador, and he is expected to be deported.
Virginia Governor Youngkin, speaking on the arrest, asserted it’s time to acknowledge that Virginia is not a sanctuary state.
Federal officials praised the operation, highlighting cooperation between different levels of law enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the operation a part of her mission to enhance national safety.

Federal and Local Cooperation

The Department of Justice reported the arrest of a key alleged MS-13 leader in Woodbridge, Virginia, approximately 30 miles outside Washington, DC. This arrest was the product of a strategic collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, including the FBI, ICE, ATF, Virginia State Police, and Prince William County Police Department.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin were instrumental in this operation. Bondi emphasized that the suspect was one of the top three MS-13 leaders in the US and an undocumented migrant from El Salvador. Plans for deportation are already underway.

Utilizing Advanced Technology

Efforts to dismantle MS-13 domestically extend beyond this arrest, showcasing advanced technology and thorough planning. This operation aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on gang activities.

Governor Youngkin praised the Trump administration for enabling this arrest and criticized the lack of support from the Biden administration. He declared that Virginia is not a sanctuary state and proposed amendments to penalize noncooperative local governments about federal immigration policies.

Reporter Replay – Top MS-13 leader described as ‘worst of the worst’ arrested in Virginia during major Trump-backed operation https://t.co/RiQnQEMFwF pic.twitter.com/5nDaisVnzk

— New York Post (@nypost) March 27, 2025

Praise From Officials

President Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated the arrest as a testament to effective collaboration between federal and local law enforcement. Trump expressed his support for the law enforcement officials involved, specifically highlighting border czar Tom Homan.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi presented the arrest as part of a directive she’s been given by Trump, saying, “President Trump’s directive to me when I became Attorney General was to keep America safe, and make America safe again.”