Department of Justice announces the arrest of an MS-13 leader in Long Island, accused of orchestrating nearly a dozen murders in Nevada and California.
Joel 'Momia' Vargas-Escobar, a senior leader of the MS-13 gang, was arrested in Long Island for his alleged role in coordinating multiple murders in Nevada and California.
Vargas-Escobar, also known as the leader of the 'Parkview clique' of MS-13, had been on the run after reentering the country illegally following deportation to El Salvador.
The indictment against Vargas-Escobar and other gang members links them to 11 murders, involving kidnapping, torture, and killings carried out in remote locations.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commended the arrest as a step towards dismantling the MS-13 organization and ensuring the safety of Americans.
The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat gang violence and prosecute individuals involved in organized crime activities.
MS-13's presence and criminal activities remain a significant law enforcement challenge, requiring continued vigilance and cooperative efforts to address gang-related threats.