The Department of Homeland Security has announced the arrest of two senior MS-13 gang leaders by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Omaha. These individuals are wanted in El Salvador for violent crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and gang conspiracy.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "The Biden Administration allowed two ringleaders of MS-13, one of the most violent gangs in the world, straight into our country. One of these depraved aliens is on El Salvador’s 100 Most Wanted Fugitives list and is wanted for five counts of murder. The other has an INTERPOL notice for drug trafficking."
On July 9, 2025, HSI special agents conducted coordinated enforcement operations leading to the arrest of these criminal illegal aliens who are confirmed members of MS-13. This organization is known as one of the world's most violent foreign terrorist groups.
During the operation in Omaha, Nebraska, agents arrested Rene Escobar-Ochoa. He was first encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in 2023 and allowed to remain in the country despite facing an INTERPOL Red Notice from El Salvador for drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder.
Another individual was tracked down in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This person appears on El Salvador’s 100 Most Wanted Fugitives list and is wanted for five counts of murder. Previously convicted by U.S. authorities for illegally crossing the border—a federal crime—this individual's presence highlights concerns about violent offenders exploiting border security.
HSI Omaha led this operation with support from federal and international law enforcement partners. ICE currently holds both individuals in custody while removal proceedings have been initiated to coordinate their return to El Salvadoran authorities to face justice.
