FBI Nails Top Gang Leader, Bondi and Patel Watched the Whole Thing: 'Worst of the Worst'
The capture of a high-ranking MS-13 gang leader on Thursday highlights the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Authorities identified the suspect as 24-year-old Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, who was taken into custody during a raid in Woodbridge, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., Fox News reported.
A joint task force carried out the operation, including the FBI, Prince William County Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Virginia State Police.
Both Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel monitored the operation from a command post as law enforcement executed the arrest.
“America is safer today because one of the top domestic terrorists in MS-13 is off the streets,” Bondi stated, as reported by ABC.
“This individual was residing in a neighborhood near everyday citizens. Not anymore. Thanks to the exceptional efforts of law enforcement, this task force has been remarkable, utilizing advanced technology that we will not discuss, to track down and capture these dangerous, violent, worst of the worst criminals,” she continued.
Patel also weighed in, emphasizing law enforcement's effectiveness. “This is what happens when you let good cops be cops,” he told the New York Post.
Expressing his appreciation for key officials, Patel added, “It’s an honor to work alongside the tough and fearless leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, CPB, and Governor Youngkin.”
He further underscored the significance of the arrest. “The capture of an MS-13 leader this morning is a major win for law enforcement and a clear warning to violent gangs: your time terrorizing our communities is coming to an end.”
Erik Siebert, interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, disclosed that the investigation leading to the arrest began on March 3.
“In under a month, we have apprehended 340 suspects,” Siebert said. “To the criminals, all I have to say is, ‘we’re coming.’”
Governor Glenn Youngkin used the incident to highlight concerns over sanctuary policies, calling them “absolutely unacceptable.”
“Look at who is living in your community. Look at who is residing near hardworking citizens striving to build their lives in one of the best places in America to live and work,” Youngkin stated.
“And yet, one of the top three operatives from the most dangerous gang in America, in the world, was living just around the corner — and sanctuary cities want to provide them refuge,” he added.
He emphasized Virginia’s stance on the issue. “Let’s be clear: Virginia is not a sanctuary state. We are committed to removing dangerous individuals, and if local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate, they are actively jeopardizing the safety of the people they serve.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the administration's stance, stating that the arrest exemplifies “what happens when you have competent federal leadership at the top,” Fox News reported.
She pointed out that critics of President Donald Trump’s policies are now benefiting from their results.
“This took place 30 miles from Washington, D.C., where politicians and mainstream media figures have continuously criticized the president for his firm stance on illegal immigration and violent crime,” she noted.
“They should recognize that individuals like this will no longer be living in their neighborhoods. Beyond direct action, we are also sending a clear message with these images to the world,” she concluded.