Federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have arrested a high-ranking member of the MS-13 gang in Omaha, Nebraska. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, is listed among El Salvador’s “100 Most Wanted” and is wanted for several violent crimes in his home country.
Top Gang Leader Caught
According to ICE, the individual is accused of five counts of aggravated homicide, attempted homicide, kidnapping, and affiliation with a terrorist organization. Authorities say he entered the United States illegally and was hiding in Nebraska to avoid prosecution.
Mark Zito, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for Kansas City, emphasized the severity of the case. “These illegal aliens didn’t just sneak into our country—they brought violence, terror, and death,” Zito stated. “They thought they could hide in America’s heartland. They were wrong.”
Multi-Target Raid
During the same raid, another dangerous MS-13 member was also taken into custody. This individual is reportedly wanted in a Central American country for organizing murders and drug trafficking operations. ICE officials called the operation a “targeted enforcement effort” and warned that both suspects posed a significant threat to public safety.
Todd M. Lyons, acting director of ICE, urged the public to avoid interfering in arrests. “People have no idea who they’re dealing with. Stepping into one of our operations without knowing the facts could put lives at risk,” he warned.
Growing Enforcement Nationwide
These arrests come on the heels of a massive increase in ICE’s budget. The “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law over the weekend, increased the agency’s funding from $2 billion to $45 billion. This move has sparked a nationwide surge in enforcement activity.
As part of the new initiative, ICE aims to conduct more than 7,000 deportations per day. The target was announced by White House border czar Tom Homan in a press briefing on Monday. Homan stated, “We need to arrest 7,000 individuals daily just to account for those released under the prior administration. That’s what it takes.”
Local Impact, National Message
The Omaha arrest underscores ICE’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration and violent gang activity. Officials maintain that the operation was executed with precision and that community safety remains their highest priority.
Lyons closed his statement with a message for critics: “Our officers are out there protecting your neighborhoods, often without your knowledge. If you’re not going to support them, at least don’t stand in their way.”
As ICE continues to ramp up efforts, similar operations are expected across multiple states. The agency advises the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity related to immigration fugitives or gang involvement.
