FBI Arrests Top MS-13 Leader in Virginia, Officials Hail Major Gang Crackdown

In a major operation early Thursday morning, the FBI apprehended one of the highest-ranking members of the violent MS-13 gang on the East Coast. The arrest took place in Woodbridge, Virginia — a suburb just south of Washington, D.C. Authorities have confirmed that the 24-year-old suspect, originally from El Salvador and in the country illegally, is among the top three MS-13 leaders operating in the United States.

Federal officials say the arrest marks a significant blow to the gang’s network, which has long been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes across the country.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and senior Department of Justice official Emil Bove were all monitoring the mission from a tactical operations center nearby.

“This morning, we successfully captured one of MS-13’s top leaders. He oversaw gang operations along the East Coast and is one of the three most dangerous MS-13 operatives in the country,” Bondi announced. “He entered this country illegally from El Salvador — and he won’t be staying much longer.”

Bondi praised the law enforcement teams involved for executing a clean and effective operation.

“Thanks to the FBI, one of the most dangerous criminals in the MS-13 network is now in custody,” she said. “Virginia — and the rest of the country — is safer today.”

The arrest was reportedly the result of a weeks-long effort by a multi-agency task force aimed at dismantling violent criminal organizations. Bondi linked the operation to broader national efforts led by former President Donald Trump.

“President Trump made a promise to make America safe again — and we are seeing that promise fulfilled,” Bondi stated. “We didn’t need new laws; we needed a new president. We are removing the worst of the worst from our streets. We will not have another tragedy like Laken Riley.”

FBI Director Patel echoed Bondi’s remarks, emphasizing the agency’s aggressive strategy.

“This task force will go wherever it needs to go to bring justice to communities affected by gang violence,” said Patel. “If you choose to engage in violent crime, you will face consequences just like this individual did.”

Patel also commended the law enforcement officers involved, calling them “brave warriors” and highlighting the professionalism of the mission.

“This is what happens when we let our officers do their job,” he said. “We’re restoring safety to our neighborhoods — one operation at a time.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also weighed in, thanking federal officials and law enforcement for their cooperation. He described the task force’s recent efforts as a model of how federal, state, and local resources can work together to combat organized crime.

“Thank you to everyone who made this operation possible,” Youngkin said. “Over the past four weeks, we’ve seen a unified front between Virginia law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, and federal agencies to track down and arrest gang members and drug traffickers.”

Youngkin described MS-13 and similar criminal groups like Tren de Aragua as “international terrorist organizations” that pose serious threats to communities across the U.S.

“The arrest this morning happened in Dale City, right here in Prince William County — one of the most family-friendly communities in America. And it was a top MS-13 leader, hiding in plain sight,” he said. “He was here illegally. And he’s going back to where he came from.”

Youngkin credited the Trump administration’s support and tough-on-crime policies for enabling the task force’s success. He also highlighted his own administration’s early actions, including signing a 287(g) agreement that allows state law enforcement to work closely with federal immigration officials.

“In the first 20 hours of taking office, we authorized our state police and corrections officers to be deputized and support this task force,” Youngkin said.

Over the past month, more than 340 individuals tied to violent gangs have been arrested in Northern Virginia alone, according to officials.

Youngkin closed by thanking the officers who risk their lives daily to protect their communities.

“These men and women wear bulletproof vests to work, and they rarely get the thanks they deserve,” he said. “Today, and every day, they deserve our gratitude. Their work is saving lives and restoring peace to neighborhoods across Virginia.