FBI Teams with Mexico to Extradite Alleged MS-13 Leader

The FBI, with Mexican government assistance, extradited alleged MS-13 leader Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales. FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the operation as a major victory against organized crime. Roman-Bardales faces multiple charges related to violence and drug trafficking. The arrest supports broader efforts by the Trump administration against gangs and raises questions concerning deportations of gang members.

The FBI, in collaboration with the Mexican government, has extradited Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, an alleged senior leader of the MS-13 gang, from Mexico to the United States. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of this operation, declaring it a “major victory” for law enforcement and American safety. Roman-Bardales had previously been placed on the FBI’s “10 most wanted” list due to his involvement in violent crimes and drug distribution.

Roman-Bardales, aged 47, faces multiple charges in connection with his alleged role in organizing violent acts against civilians and rival gang members, alongside participating in drug trafficking and extortion schemes across the U.S. and El Salvador. A federal arrest warrant issued in New York had charged him with a variety of serious offenses, including conspiracy to support terrorist activities and racketeering.

Intelligence regarding Roman-Bardales’ location in Baxtla, Mexico, led to his identification and arrest by local law enforcement, as reported by the FBI. Patel expressed gratitude towards the Mexican authorities for their crucial cooperation in ensuring Roman-Bardales’ extradition, which he stated enhances community safety throughout America.

The news of this arrest aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration’s ongoing campaigns against gangs, including MS-13. In a recent address to Congress, Trump shared his administration’s commitment to targeting such gangs, linking them to tragic incidents involving violent crimes. He further declared MS-13 and other gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, highlighting the administration’s stringent stance on gang-related issues.

Furthermore, the Trump administration’s strategy also includes the deportation of gang members, having recently transferred over 200 alleged gang affiliates, including key figures of MS-13, to Salvadoran authorities. This action has prompted concerns regarding potential conflicts with existing legal rulings that restrict the deportation of certain groups, raising legal and ethical questions.

The extradition of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales marks a significant achievement for U.S. law enforcement, particularly the FBI, in the fight against gang violence and organized crime. This collaboration with Mexican authorities underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges. Moreover, the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to combat gangs and enhance national safety highlight a targeted approach towards reducing organized crime’s impact in the U.S. and beyond.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com