U.S. Border Patrol agents in Detroit have arrested two individuals from El Salvador, one of whom admitted to being a member of the notorious gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). The arrest took place over the weekend after local law enforcement in Sterling Heights, Michigan requested assistance following an altercation at a motel.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that both men were illegally present in the United States. One of them confessed to being part of MS-13, which is recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He also revealed that he had served 20 years in prison in El Salvador for murdering a rival gang member.
In addition to the arrests, local authorities confiscated over five grams of crystal methamphetamine during the incident.
"This is a major win for the U.S. Border Patrol and the safety of our communities," stated Detroit Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo Jr. "This arrest is a clear example of how agents and our law enforcement partners are protecting our towns by removing violent criminals from our country."
Both individuals are currently undergoing processing for removal from the United States.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline: the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and the first unified border management agency globally. With over 65,000 personnel, CBP aims to protect America across various domains while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
