Accused MS-13 leader nabbed by Patel’s FBI to remain in custody for now, judge rules
An accused MS-13 leader, Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, will remain in federal custody after a judge found probable cause to support the government’s case against him. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter of the Eastern District of Virginia made the ruling during a detention hearing for Santos, a 24-year-old Salvadoran national arrested last week in suburban Virginia. Santos was charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The FBI announced Santos’s arrest on March 27 in Woodbridge, just south of Washington, D.C. Santos’ hearing comes shortly after court documents revealed the Trump administration had mistakenly sent a Salvadoran man with protected legal status, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to El Salvador. Garcia was removed from Maryland when the administration sent three planeloads of Salvadoran and Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s “Terrorism Confinement Center” on March 15 for alleged gang affiliations.
Vice President JD Vance referenced the court documents in a social media post in response to critics, emphasizing that Garcia was a convicted MS-13 gang member with no legal right to be in the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were present during Santos’ arrest at a nearby tactical operations center. Bondi commended the operation, stating, “They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy’s in custody. Thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets. Virginia and the country are a lot safer today.”
Authorities found a 9mm handgun, three additional firearms, ammunition, and two suppressors in Villatoro’s bedroom, according to court documents. President Donald Trump praised the leadership on the operation, commending Bondi, Patel, and others for capturing the MS-13 leader. Patel echoed Trump’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of putting good law enforcement officers in positions to combat criminal threats.
Fox News Digital reached out to Santos’ attorney for comment, but there has been no response yet. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In conclusion, the arrest of Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, an alleged MS-13 leader, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat gang violence and criminal activities. The collaboration between federal agencies and law enforcement officials is crucial in ensuring the safety of communities. Stay tuned for further updates on this case.
Original Article Source: Fox News Digital
Author: Haley Chi-Sing
