Attorney General Pam Bondi provided details on the arrest of Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, who is believed to be a top leader of the violent MS-13 gang. Santos was taken into custody early Thursday morning in Virginia by federal agents.
During an interview on The Ingraham Angle, Bondi revealed that Santos had likely been in the U.S. for over a decade and was recruited into MS-13 while still in middle school.
"We believe he was recruited in middle school — in middle school!" Bondi emphasized.
She further criticized the Biden administration for not taking action against illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities.
"He's been living here illegally with friends and family, and the Biden administration did absolutely nothing to deport these people. You know, as the president says, we didn't need new laws, we needed a new president to fix this."
Charges and Arrest Details
Santos was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with illegal gun possession after authorities searched his residence, according to the Associated Press.
Bondi credited a task force consisting of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for working together to apprehend Santos.
"He was one of the top leaders, and he was living half an hour from where we're sitting right now, living among us," Bondi stated. "We took one of the worst of the worst off the streets today. Americans are safer because of Donald Trump."
Virginia Authorities Respond
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also praised state and local agencies for their efforts in combating organized crime. In a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, Youngkin highlighted the state's dedication to eliminating criminal and terrorist networks.
"We are committed to eradicating the drug and terrorist networks that exist," Youngkin affirmed.
MS-13 Designation as a Terrorist Organization
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, was officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department in February. The designation also applied to Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, reflecting the increasing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations operating within the U.S.
Santos' arrest marks a significant step in law enforcement’s battle against gang violence and organized crime, ensuring that communities remain safe from one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world.
