Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of Ismael Enrique Mendoza Flores, also known as “El Calaco,” an alleged leader of the MS-13 gang who is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and illicit associations. ICE took Mendoza Flores into custody on October 2, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia, acting on an active warrant from El Salvador related to a murder charge.
Mendoza Flores is listed among the “Most Wanted Gang Members” by the Salvadoran National Police. Prior to this recent arrest, he had been detained in Virginia on August 23, 2025, for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the arrest: “Our brave men and women of ICE arrested one of El Salvator’s Most Wanted Fugitives off of the streets of Virginia. This MS-13 gang member was wanted for murder. These are the types of criminal illegal aliens that sanctuary politicians across Virginia are protecting as they demonize law enforcement. President Trump and Secretary Noem are not going to allow gang members to terrorize American citizens.”
According to authorities, Mendoza Flores stated that he entered the United States as a juvenile in 2015 during the Obama Administration.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that ongoing political issues such as a government shutdown will not prevent law enforcement from continuing their efforts to apprehend individuals considered dangerous criminals.
