In a significant development, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended an illegal alien affiliated with the notorious MS-13 gang in Omaha, Nebraska.
This arrest aligns with President Donald Trump's administration's ongoing efforts to locate and deport individuals involved in criminal activities. The individual, a high-ranking member of the gang, is also listed among El Salvador's top 100 most wanted fugitives.
According to Breitbart, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) described the suspect as a "Salvadoran national" wanted for "the aggravated homicide of five victims; attempted aggravated homicide; deprivation of liberty; and terrorist organization affiliation." The agency refrained from disclosing the suspect's name.
Alongside him, authorities detained another illegal alien, identified as Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, who is also linked to MS-13. Escobar Ochoa, 30, is accused of orchestrating various crimes, including multiple homicides, extortion, imprisonment, and drug trafficking, posing a significant threat to the Omaha community.
Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "These illegal aliens didnt just sneak into our country; they brought with them a legacy of violence, terror and death. They thought they could hide in Americas heartland, but they were sadly mistaken. Not on our watch."
In a related incident, ICE detained another MS-13 member in Indiana. As reported by Breitbart, the individual, Jonny Handy Martinez-Barillas, a 30-year-old Honduran national, was apprehended in Clay County. Despite being charged with first-degree murder and firearm possession in Maryland, he was released from prison without ICE detainer compliance earlier this year.
The White House, as cited by Breitbart, noted that the majority of recent ICE arrests involve individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges. This underscores the administration's commitment to addressing illegal immigration and associated criminal activities.
The MS-13 gang's violent history in the United States is well-documented. In early 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that the gang had been responsible for over 65 murders in Long Island, New York, since 2009.
Thirteen MS-13 members were subsequently charged, as reported by Breitbart. Federal prosecutors have identified these members as part of the gang's "command and control structure," orchestrating violent activities in El Salvador to influence government actions, intimidate civilians, and manipulate elections.
The gang's influence extends beyond U.S. borders, with members accused of directing violence in Mexico and other countries, resulting in numerous murders. In response to the escalating threat, President Trump's administration has designated MS-13 and the Tren de Aragua gang as terrorist organizations, reflecting a firm stance against such criminal entities.
This series of arrests highlights the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and gang violence, reinforcing the need for stringent enforcement measures to safeguard American communities.
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