FBI Launches Major Operation Against Gang Activity Under New Leadership

In a significant enforcement action, the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce has arrested 39 individuals, including members of the MS-13 gang and other organized groups, according to an announcement made Monday evening. This marks the first major operation under the leadership of newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel.

Patel shared the news on social media, stating, “Today the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals, including MS-13 and other gang members, as part of our mission to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Thank you to all our partners bravely doing their jobs and executing the mission.”

Among those arrested was a key figure believed to have held a leadership role within the international criminal organization MS-13. The individual, 27-year-old David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, was apprehended in Hyattsville, Maryland, on February 27. U.S. authorities confirmed that he is a citizen of El Salvador who had entered the United States without proper documentation and was wanted in his home country on serious criminal charges.

According to officials, Orellana-Aleman was previously charged in El Salvador with offenses including illegal possession of a firearm, extortion, and association with a criminal organization. He is also alleged to have held significant influence over MS-13 operations not only in the United States but also in Mexico and parts of Europe.

“This arrest sends a powerful message,” said Matthew Elliston, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. “It shows the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between federal agencies. By removing individuals involved in serious criminal activity, we are making communities safer.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno echoed that sentiment. “The arrest of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman eliminates a high-level threat from our communities. His alleged role in coordinating violent acts has come to an end with his capture.”

The operation highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks operating across borders. Authorities said Orellana-Aleman entered the country at an unknown time and place without being formally processed by immigration officials. His presence in the U.S. came to light when he was stopped by police in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on December 9, 2024, for driving without a license. He is now in the custody of immigration authorities.

This development follows Director Patel’s recent efforts to reform and energize the FBI. In one of his first meetings with field office leaders, he introduced a new fitness initiative aimed at improving agent readiness. Patel proposed a unique collaboration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to help enhance physical training for FBI agents.

The idea, discussed during a teleconference with leaders from the FBI’s 55 field offices, involves partnering with the UFC to create tailored fitness programs. The UFC, known for its rigorous athletic standards and demanding physical conditioning, could serve as a model to help agents meet high-performance expectations.

Sources familiar with the proposal indicated that the initiative is still in the early stages. However, the concept has already sparked interest among some current and former FBI officials who see it as a creative approach to a longstanding need.

Rich Frankel, a former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark office, noted the potential benefits. “If they’re looking to boost physical preparedness, the UFC certainly brings a high level of expertise to the table,” he said.

Director Patel’s suggestion reflects a broader effort to modernize the agency’s training programs and increase collaboration with outside organizations that can offer unique insights or support. While the idea has not yet been formally adopted, it highlights a fresh direction in leadership that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

In the meantime, the recent arrests represent a clear and immediate step in the FBI’s strategy to combat violent crime and safeguard communities across the nation. With law enforcement agencies working in close coordination, the message is clear: organized criminal activity will be met with swift and decisive action.