CWEB News: Bondi & Patel Lead Historic MS-13 Gang Leader Arrest
Villatoro Santos, 24, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was apprehended in Prince William County, Virginia. FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at a Dale City residence on March 27, where they observed the fugitive frequently entering and exiting the property. Court documents unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia reveal Villatoro Santos faces charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a felony linked to his alleged leadership role in MS-13, a gang notorious for gruesome violence, drug trafficking, and extortion.
Collaborative Triumph for Public Safety
At a press conference held at the FBI’s Manassas field office, Bondi, Patel, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin underscored the operation’s significance in safeguarding communities.
BREAKING: I’m proud to announce that early this morning our brave law enforcement officers conducted a successful operation that captured a top MS-13 national leader
DOJ will not rest until we make America safe again. pic.twitter.com/yKmhas068b
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) March 27, 2025
“This arrest sends a clear message: if you terrorize our neighborhoods, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will remove you from society,” declared Bondi, who served as Florida’s attorney general before her federal appointment. “MS-13 preys on the vulnerable, but today, thanks to the relentless work of our law enforcement partners, this predator is off the streets.”
FBI Director Kash Patel, a staunch advocate for aggressive anti-gang measures, credited interagency coordination and intelligence-sharing for the breakthrough.
“MS-13 operates globally, but their reign of fear ends here,” Patel stated. “We dismantled their infrastructure, seized their weapons, and arrested their leadership. This is how we restore safety to American families.”
Trump Applauds “America-First” Victory
President Trump, whose administration prioritized cracking down on MS-13, released a statement commending the team:
“Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and every brave agent involved deserve immense credit. This is what happens when we put America’s safety first—dangerous criminals are removed, our borders are secured, and communities thrive.”
In just 4 weeks, the task force we launched—with the backing of DOJ and the leadership of AG Pam Bondi—brought together state, local, and federal law enforcement.
The results speak for themselves: 342 criminals off the streets in Virginia. This is what real leadership looks…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 27, 2025
Governor Youngkin echoed the sentiment, praising Virginia law enforcement for their role in the operation.
“Virginia will not be a sanctuary for criminal gangs,” he said. “This arrest proves that partnership between state and federal authorities is critical to protecting our citizens.”
A Mother’s Report Unravels a Criminal Empire
The case took a dramatic turn in August 2024 when Villatoro Santos’s mother reported a burglary at her Dale City home. FBI agents, while investigating the incident, uncovered ties to MS-13 and launched surveillance that confirmed the suspect’s presence. Authorities emphasize that Villatoro Santos’s illegal status and prior criminal history made him a priority target.
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, has been designated by the Department of Justice as one of the most ruthless criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Its members are linked to countless acts of violence, including murders, kidnappings, and human trafficking across the U.S.
A Safer Future
As Villatoro Santos awaits trial, Bondi and Patel vowed to continue targeting gang networks.
“This is just the beginning,” Bondi told the News. “We’re coming for every individual who threatens the peace and security of this nation.”
The arrest has already drawn cheers from residents, with one Dale City neighbor stating, “Knowing this monster is behind bars lets us sleep easier. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”
