On Monday, the Mexican government announced the arrest of a recognized member of the MS-13 gang, who is featured on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Top Ten Most Wanted list.
Officials stated that Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales was apprehended in Veracruz as a result of a collaborative effort between the United States and Mexico.
The FBI was contacted for a response by email from Newsweek on Monday afternoon.
Why It Matters
The FBI claims that Roman-Bardales plays a key role in the MS-13 gang, which the Trump administration recently classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Collaborating with the Mexican government would demonstrate a united front in combating these groups by Mexico, following President Donald Trump’s claims that the country was not sufficiently addressing border security.
What To Know
Roman-Bardales, who also goes by the alias “Veterano de Tribus,” is a citizen of El Salvador who is sought by the U.S. authorities for various alleged crimes. These offenses include engaging in violent acts against civilians and members of rival gangs. Additionally, the 47-year-old is believed to have participated in illegal drug trafficking and extortion activities, as stated by the FBI.
In September 2022, the Eastern District of New York issued a federal arrest warrant. The warrant accuses individuals of various charges, including conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy.
In the mid-1980s, individuals escaping civil war and violence in El Salvador are thought to have established MS-13, also known as “Mara Salvatrucha,” as a neighborhood street gang in Los Angeles.
The gang’s activities, as well as those of Roman-Bardales, have been tracked nationwide, as well as to Mexico and El Salvador. As a result of the gang member being on the run, he was added to the FBI’s Top 10 Fugitive List, with a reward of $250,000 being offered for any information that could lead to his arrest.
The Top 10 list also features additional individuals suspected of belonging to gangs, along with individuals facing allegations of violent crimes or significant fraud.
On Monday, various Mexican agencies announced in a joint statement that they had collaborated with the U.S. to locate and apprehend the fugitive in Baxtla, Veracruz. Surveillance was set up by agents on highways in the vicinity, ultimately resulting in his capture.
What People Are Saying
Mexican authorities emphasized in a joint statement their commitment to working together to combat sources of violence in the country as part of the National Security Strategy.
What Happens Next?
Mexican officials stated that Roman-Bardales has been transported to Mexico City, where he will be handed over for deportation to the United States.
