High-Ranking MS-13 Member Arrested in Nebraska
The Trump administration took action on Wednesday against a prominent MS-13 figure who was wanted for multiple murders in his home country and had been hiding out in Central America.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended this high-level gang member in Omaha, Nebraska. According to an agency report, this individual, whose identity has not yet been released, is listed as one of El Salvador’s “top 100 most wanted” criminals. He is implicated in the murders of five people, among other crimes.
Beyond these five murders, this gang member faces additional charges including human trafficking and affiliations with terrorist organizations, as stated by ICE.
Alongside the main suspect, Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, another gang affiliate residing in the U.S. was also arrested. Ochoa allegedly ordered fellow MS-13 members to commit various crimes, which include drug trafficking and acts of violence.
Mark Jeet, an agent from Homeland Security Investigation in Kansas City, commented on the arrest, saying, “These illegal aliens weren’t just sneaking into our country. They brought a legacy of violence, fear, and death. We thought they could hide in America’s Heartland, but they were sadly wrong. It’s not our watch.”
Recent events have seen a rise in attacks against ICE agents, highlighting the challenges faced during major arrests. There are ongoing instances where individuals obstruct ICE operations. The head of the agency issued a warning about the dangers of vilifying ICE agents and impeding their enforcement efforts.
“It’s crucial that the public does not interfere when ICE agents are making arrests,” said acting director Todd Lyons. “Misinformation can spread rapidly, and someone could unintentionally confront a dangerous individual.”
On July 4, a violent incident occurred when a group armed with tactical gear attacked an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas. In this skirmish, a local police officer was injured. On the same day, reports surfaced of protests in Portland, Oregon, where federal agents were assaulted at an ICE facility.
