Federal immigration authorities said they have nabbed an MS-13 kingpin in Nebraska who is considered one of the top 100 fugitives from his native El Salvador.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the “high-ranking member” of the international gang, who wasn’t identified, was captured by agents during a targeted operation in Omaha on Wednesday.
Authorities said the illegal immigrant is wanted in El Salvador in connection with five separate killings, attempted homicide, deprivation of liberty and for being affiliated with a terrorist organization.
“These illegal aliens didn’t just sneak into our country; they brought with them a legacy of violence, terror and death,” Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito said in a statement. “They thought they could hide in America’s heartland, but they were sadly mistaken. Not on our watch.”
Alleged MS-13 associate Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa was arrested during the same raid in Nebraska, ICE said.
Officials said Mr. Escobar Ochoa, 30, is also an illegal immigrant and a foreign terrorist who is wanted in El Salvador. He is accused of ordering gang members to carry out crimes such as killings, drug trafficking and extortion.
ICE said the two gang members had been hiding out in the Omaha area before they were taken into custody.
“When ICE agents move in to make an arrest, it is extremely important that the public not interfere,” Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said in a statement. “The misinformation, and sometimes blatant lies, being spread around the country could result in someone stepping into a federal operation and suddenly finding themselves face-to-face with a killer who has nothing to lose.”
