Suspected top MS-13 leader on fast track to deportation thanks to DOJ action
A federal judge has recently cleared the way for the deportation of Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old man described by the Department of Justice as the leader of MS-13 on the East Coast. Villatoro Santos, originally from El Salvador, was arrested on March 27 during a raid on his home in Woodbridge, Virginia. He was charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and federal authorities found MS-13 indicia in his bedroom and garage, solidifying their belief that he was one of the top three leaders of the violent gang in the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a motion to dismiss the gun charges against Villatoro Santos on April 9, with the intention of having him immediately deported to El Salvador rather than going through a lengthy trial process in the United States. Although the motion was briefly delayed on April 18, a decision was ultimately made by U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton to dismiss the criminal charges against him on Wednesday.
Villatoro Santos’ lawyer, Muhammad Elsayed, filed an emergency habeas petition and a temporary restraining order against the government in an effort to halt his client’s deportation. Elsayed emphasized the importance of due process rights for all individuals detained by the government, stating that every person should have the opportunity to have their day in court before being forcibly removed from the country.
The federal government’s handling of the case was criticized by Elsayed, who accused them of turning it into a “publicity stunt.” He raised concerns about the potential implications of disregarding due process for alleged undocumented immigrants, highlighting the risk it poses to American citizens as well.
Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has prioritized the arrest and deportation of violent illegal aliens, particularly targeting gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua from Venezuela. Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin revealed that 2,394 illegal immigrant gang members were arrested in the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, with a focus on removing these dangerous individuals from the country.
As the government continues its efforts to crack down on violent gangs and illegal immigration, the case of Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding deportation proceedings and the importance of upholding due process rights for all individuals involved.
