The Mexican government said Monday that it had arrested a known member of the MS-13 gang, who is listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Top Ten Most Wanted list.
Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales was detained in Veracruz as part of a joint operation between the United States and Mexico, officials said.
Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comment via email Monday afternoon.
Why It Matters
The FBI alleges that Roman-Bardales is a senior leader in the MS-13 gang, which was recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the Trump administration.
A joint operation with the Mexican government would show a concerted effort to tackle such groups by Mexico after assertions by President Donald Trump that the country was not doing enough to enforce border security.
What To Know
Roman-Bardales, also known as "Veterano de Tribus," is a Salvadoran national wanted in the U.S. for multiple alleged offenses, including acts of violence towards civilians and rival gang members. The 47-year-old is also accused of being involved in drug distribution and extortion schemes, according to the FBI.
A federal arrest warrant was issued in September 2022, out of the Eastern District of New York. That document includes charges of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists; narco-terrorism conspiracy; racketeering conspiracy; and alien smuggling conspiracy.
MS-13, also known as "Mara Salvatrucha," is believed to have been founded as a neighborhood street gang in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s by people fleeing civil war and violence in El Salvador.
The gang's activities, and Roman-Bardales', have been traced across the country, as well as to Mexico and El Salvador. With the gang member on the run, he was placed on the FBI's Top 10 Fugitive List, with a reward on offer of $250,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Others on the Top 10 list include more suspected gang members, as well as those accused of violent crimes or serious fraud.
On Monday, in a joint statement from various Mexican agencies, it was announced that the U.S. had worked with them to locate and detain the fugitive in Baxtla in Veracruz. Agents had set up surveillance on highways around the area, which led to his detention.
What People Are Saying
Mexican authorities in a joint statement: "Within the framework of the National Security Strategy, with these actions, the institutions of the Security Cabinet reaffirm their commitment to work in a coordinated manner to stop generators of violence in the country."
What Happens Next?
Roman-Bardales was taken to Mexico City where he will be turned over for deportation to the U.S., Mexican officials said.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 5:49 PM.