FBI Applauds Capture of Most Wanted Fugitives, Credits Administration Support
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is celebrating recent successes in apprehending individuals on its prestigious Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. According to agency director Kash Patel, the capture of three fugitives since President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20th is no coincidence, attributing the achievement to the administration’s support and empowerment of law enforcement.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday night, Patel emphasized the significance of these captures, framing them as a direct result of allowing "good cops to be good cops." He suggested that by providing the necessary resources and autonomy, the FBI, along with the Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi, has been able to effectively pursue and bring to justice some of America’s most dangerous criminals.
Patel’s statement highlighted the administration’s commitment to equipping the "new FBI" and Attorney General Bondi with the tools and support needed to get the job done, promising that this focused approach would continue. The director also took the opportunity to publicly commend the Department of Justice and Attorney General Bondi for their dedication and collaborative efforts in these high-profile cases.
While Patel refrained from providing specific details about the most recent arrest, his announcement came shortly after revealing the apprehension of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, an alleged key senior leader of the notorious MS-13 transnational criminal organization. Roman-Bardales was taken into custody in Mexico on Monday and is currently being extradited to the United States to face charges.
Prior to his capture, the FBI had offered a substantial $250,000 reward for information leading to Roman-Bardales’s arrest. He is accused of directing MS-13 activities across the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador. His apprehension and extradition represent a significant victory in the ongoing fight against transnational crime and gang violence.
"I can now confirm that last night, working with the Justice Department and other interagency partners, the FBI has extradited one of our Ten Most Wanted from Mexico – one we believe to be a key senior leader of MS-13, Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales," Patel stated, underscoring the collaborative nature of the operation.
The arrest and handover of Roman-Bardales took place just weeks after Mexico extradited more than 29 individuals associated with various drug cartels to the United States. Among those extradited was the infamous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who is alleged to have orchestrated the 1985 murder of a DEA agent. The timing of these extraditions highlights the strengthened cooperation between the United States and Mexico in combating transnational crime and drug trafficking.
The first capture of a Ten Most Wanted fugitive under the Trump administration occurred in January in Florida. Lady Lake Police Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey, during a routine traffic stop, apprehended 60-year-old Donald Eugene Fields II. Fields was wanted on federal child sex trafficking charges, as well as state charges of child rape. His capture demonstrates the crucial role that local law enforcement plays in apprehending fugitives, even those on the FBI’s most wanted list.
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, established in 1950, serves as a tool to highlight the agency’s pursuit of particularly dangerous and elusive criminals. The list is regularly updated, reflecting the changing landscape of crime and the FBI’s evolving priorities. Inclusion on the list often significantly increases the pressure on fugitives, making it more difficult for them to evade capture.
The capture of three fugitives from the Ten Most Wanted list during a relatively short period is undeniably a success for the FBI. Patel’s comments suggest that the administration’s focus on empowering law enforcement and providing adequate resources is contributing to these positive outcomes. However, the fight against crime is a constant and evolving challenge, and the FBI will undoubtedly continue to adapt its strategies and tactics to effectively pursue and apprehend those who pose a threat to public safety.
The emphasis on collaboration with other agencies, both domestically and internationally, is also a key factor in the FBI’s success. The extradition of Roman-Bardales from Mexico, along with the earlier extradition of drug cartel figures, underscores the importance of strong partnerships in combating transnational crime. These partnerships allow the FBI to extend its reach beyond U.S. borders and bring fugitives to justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The ongoing efforts of the FBI and its partner agencies are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to protect the public and uphold the rule of law. The capture of these fugitives sends a clear message to criminals that they will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice, no matter how long it takes.
