Authorities Collaborate To Arrest Alleged Gang Leader Near DC

A top alleged MS-13 gang leader was arrested just 30 miles outside Washington DC in a major operation involving collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

Key Takeaways

One of the alleged top three MS-13 leaders in the United States was arrested in Woodbridge, Virginia by a multi-agency task force.
The suspect is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who is expected to be deported soon.
The operation involved the FBI, ICE, ATF, Virginia State Police, and Prince William County Police Department
Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the arrest as part of a broader crackdown.
Over 340 criminals have been arrested in the past month as part of this Trump administration initiative.

Major Gang Leader Arrested Near Nation’s Capital

Federal authorities collaborated to arrest a top MS-13 gang leader in Woodbridge, Virginia, approximately 30 miles outside Washington, DC. The Department of Justice announced the arrest as part of a coordinated effort to dismantle a dangerous gang. Attorney General Pam Bondi, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, delivered the news of the successful operation that targeted one of the three highest-ranking MS-13 leaders in the United States.

According to officials, the suspect is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who was leading MS-13 operations throughout the East Coast. The arrest was executed through the collaboration of multiple agencies including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Virginia State Police, and the Prince William County Police Department.

Reporter Replay – Top MS-13 leader described as ‘worst of the worst’ arrested in Virginia during major Trump-backed operation https://t.co/RiQnQEMFwF pic.twitter.com/5nDaisVnzk

— New York Post (@nypost) March 27, 2025

Trump Administration Highlights Successful Operation

President Donald Trump promptly acknowledged the arrest on his Truth Social platform, praising border czar Tom Homan for his leadership in the operation. The arrest is being presented as evidence of the administration’s commitment to combating gang violence and illegal immigration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the success demonstrates the importance of competent federal leadership working in tandem with state and local law enforcement agencies on the ground.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited the success to “letting good cops be cops,” suggesting that the operation benefited from reduced restrictions on law enforcement. According to the Department of Justice, over 340 criminals have been arrested in the past month as part of this larger initiative.

Virginia’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Governor Glenn Youngkin used the occasion to emphasize that “Virginia is not a sanctuary state.” He has proposed amendments to the state budget that would strip funding from local governments that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This stance has created tension with some local officials, including Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay, who argues that the governor’s plan could effectively “defund the police” while insisting that Fairfax County already complies with legal detainers.

The administration has indicated that this arrest is part of a broader strategy to address gang violence and illegal immigration across the country. Attorney General Bondi emphasized that the operation involved undisclosed advanced technology aimed at dismantling MS-13’s operations nationwide. Officials stated that the suspect is currently in custody and will face deportation proceedings, marking a significant blow to MS-13’s leadership structure in the United States.