(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Notorious MS-13 leader Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, who was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was finally arrested by Mexican officials.
The Salvadoran gang kingpin wanted for terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling will soon face American justice after his extradition to the United States.
Román-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” was arrested on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway in Veracruz, Mexico.
The operation was a joint effort between the Mexican Attorney General’s office, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Guard, demonstrating increased cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement.
The MS-13 leader faces serious charges in the U.S., including conspiracy to support terrorists, narco-terrorism, racketeering, and alien smuggling.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for him in September 2022 in the Eastern District of New York, with authorities offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
The MS-13 gang has been a scourge on American communities since it originated in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s by Salvadoran aliens.
The gang later spread throughout Central America as members were deported, creating a transnational criminal organization that has terrorized communities across multiple countries.
Additionally, Román-Bardales is accused of orchestrating drug distribution, extortion, and ordering acts of violence across the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador.
His arrest represents a significant blow to one of the most dangerous criminal organizations threatening American security and a victory for border enforcement advocates who have long highlighted the dangers of MS-13.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated:
“As President Trump has made clear, cartels are terrorist groups, and this Department of Justice is devoted to destroying cartels and transnational gangs. We will prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels. We will not rest until we secure justice for the American people.”
The arrest is part of Mexico’s increased law enforcement efforts against drug cartels and follows the recent transfer of 29 alleged drug cartel suspects to the United States.
Mexican authorities stated the operation was “aimed at capturing individuals responsible for generating violence.”
Besides, the Trump administration previously designated MS-13 as a terrorist organization, recognizing the severe threat posed by the group to American communities.
This designation gave law enforcement additional tools to combat the organization’s criminal activities.
The capture of Román-Bardales sends a powerful message to criminal organizations that exploit America’s southern border.
His extradition to the United States will ensure he faces American justice for his alleged crimes against the nation and its citizens.
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