High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Apprehended in Mexico, Extradited to the U.S.
In a significant victory for law enforcement on both sides of the border, Mexican authorities have arrested and handed over Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, an alleged key senior leader of the notorious international criminal gang MS-13, to the United States. Román-Bardales, who was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was apprehended on Monday in Veracruz, Mexico, marking a major step in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime.
The joint operation, involving multiple Mexican agencies including the Defense Ministry, Navy, Office of Attorney General, National Guard, and the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, culminated in Román-Bardales’ arrest on the Teocelo-Baxtla highway. Following the arrest, authorities informed him of the charges against him and read his legal rights, paving the way for his transfer to Mexico City and subsequent deportation to the U.S., where he is wanted on multiple charges.
FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the arrest and handover as a "major victory both for our law enforcement partners and for a safer America." He confirmed that Román-Bardales was being transported within the U.S. as of Tuesday morning, signaling the commencement of legal proceedings against him on American soil.
Román-Bardales’ extradition comes on the heels of another significant handover, where Mexican authorities transferred 29 alleged drug cartel figures to the U.S. This previous transfer included Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious figure implicated in the 1985 murder of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent. The White House had previously described Caro Quintero as "one of the most evil cartel leaders in the world," highlighting the gravity of his alleged crimes.
The recent cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico on law enforcement matters occurs amidst ongoing tensions related to border security and drug enforcement. Former President Donald Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican goods if the country failed to enhance its border security measures and cooperate more effectively in combating drug trafficking.
The article also references action taken during the Trump administration. Over the weekend, the administration sent 23 MS-13 members, including two alleged ringleaders, who had been arrested in the U.S. to El Salvador. The administration also deported hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants in apparent defiance of court orders. This information is relevant because it provides context to the overall relationship between the US, Mexico, and Central America in dealing with criminal organizations. It should be noted that deportation to a country is a common strategy to address criminal activity.
The arrest of Román-Bardales was the result of extensive collaboration between international agencies. Authorities gleaned intelligence that Román-Bardales was operating in the area of Baxtla, a small town within the municipality of Teocelo in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Following this discovery, security teams were deployed to conduct surveillance operations, both overt and covert, ultimately leading to his apprehension.
Mexican authorities identified Román-Bardales, also known as "El Veterano de Tribus" or the Veteran of Tribes, as a Salvadoran national belonging to a Salvadoran criminal group with an international presence. The FBI had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his arrest.
The charges against Román-Bardales stem from his alleged involvement in directing MS-13 activities across the U.S., Mexico, and El Salvador. The FBI alleges that he ordered numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, and played a key role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador.
A federal arrest warrant for Román-Bardales was issued by prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York in 2022. The charges include conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy. These serious charges underscore the severity of his alleged crimes and the threat he posed to national security.
The MS-13 gang was officially designated as a foreign terrorist group by the U.S. Department of State last month, highlighting the government’s commitment to combatting the organization’s global reach and influence.
According to the State Department, MS-13 originated in Los Angeles and subsequently spread to Central America as individuals were deported there from the United States. The gang recruits, organizes, and spreads violence in several countries, including El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S. The State Department alleges that MS-13 has conducted numerous violent attacks, including assassinations and the use of IEDs and drones, against El Salvador government officials and facilities. The agency claims MS-13 uses public displays of violence to intimidate civilian populations to obtain and control territory and manipulate the electoral process in El Salvador.
The capture and extradition of Román-Bardales represent a significant blow to MS-13’s leadership structure and operations. His prosecution in the U.S. is expected to further disrupt the gang’s activities and send a strong message to other members that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling the organization. The successful collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico in this case demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational criminal organizations and ensuring the safety and security of both nations. The United States continues to grapple with challenges posed by international gangs such as MS-13.
