MS-13 Leader Arrested in Virginia: A Major Breakthrough for Law Enforcement
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – In a significant development in the fight against organized gang crime, U.S. law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended a high-ranking leader of the notorious MS-13 gang. The FBI announced the arrest of Henry Josue Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old suspect deemed one of the top three leaders of MS-13 operations on the East Coast.
Details of the Arrest
The apprehension occurred in Woodbridge, Virginia, a suburb located just south of Washington, D.C. This operation involved a coordinated effort, which included collaboration from various agencies such as the Prince William County Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Virginia State Police.
Official Statements and Context
During a press conference held at the FBI headquarters in Prince William County, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke on the significance of the operation. “Officials have been working diligently for days and weeks leading up to this arrest,” she stated, confirming that the suspect is an illegal alien from El Salvador. “He will not be living in our country much longer,” Bondi added.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed that the arrest took place in Dale City and emphasized the state’s commitment to immigration enforcement. “It’s time for us to recognize that Virginia is not a sanctuary state,” he said, reflecting on his administration’s stance on cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Governor Youngkin’s Policies on Immigration
The recent arrest aligns with Governor Youngkin’s controversial approach to immigration control. He has threatened state funding for local jurisdictions that implement “sanctuary city” policies—practices that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This policy proposal was initially made public in December and is now being revisited as part of proposed amendments to the state budget.
Local leaders, such as Jeff McKay, Chair of the Board of Supervisors for Fairfax County, have expressed concerns that Youngkin’s plan could disadvantage law enforcement. “His stance could effectively defund the police,” McKay argued, asserting that his county complies with all lawful detainer requests from ICE.
Reactions from Political Figures
In light of the arrest, former President Donald Trump commended the efforts of the U.S. officials involved. “Great job by Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Tom HOMAN, and Kristi N, on the capture of MS-13 leader – A big deal!” Trump remarked in a social media post. Under his administration, numerous significant figures from MS-13 were deported to El Salvador.
This story is ongoing and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.
