Kash Patel Announces Dozens MS-13, Other Gang Members Arrested

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced the first major arrest since taking over leadership of the bureau.

On Monday night, Patel shared on X that the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce had taken dozens of MS-13 and other gang members into custody.

“Today the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals, including MS13 and other gang members, as part of our mission to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Thank you to all our partners bravely doing their jobs and executing the mission,” Patel posted.

The FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed on Monday that a key MS-13 leader, responsible for overseeing gang operations across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, had been apprehended.

David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, 27, was taken into custody on February 27 in Hyattsville, Maryland. Authorities discovered that he was an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, wanted in his home country on charges related to firearm possession, extortion, and aiding terrorism.

For years, Orellana held a top leadership role within MS-13, directing activities of the notorious gang across multiple countries.

“The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization,” stated ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “This arrest speaks volumes about the cooperation enjoyed between ICE and the FBI. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our communities.”

“Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States,” remarked FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman is no longer in his alleged position of power directing violence. His arrest demonstrates the success we can have when we collectively investigate and disrupt violent criminals seeking to exploit our communities.”

Orellana was previously arrested in El Salvador on December 1, 2016, where he faced charges for firearm possession, extortion, and association with MS-13, which is classified as a terrorist organization.

It remains unclear when and where Orellana entered the U.S., as he was not inspected, admitted, or granted parole by immigration authorities.

A police officer in Prince George’s County encountered Orellana on December 9, 2024, when he was found driving without a license. Following his recent arrest, he remains in ICE custody.

Earlier this week, Patel gained attention when he suggested boosting the FBI’s fitness standards through a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Sources familiar with Patel’s initiative indicated that the plan would involve collaborating with the UFC, led by CEO Dana White, a known supporter of President Donald Trump’s reelection, according to ABC News.

During a teleconference with the leaders of the FBI’s 55 field offices on Wednesday, Patel proposed a formal alliance with the UFC to develop fitness programs aimed at enhancing agents’ physical conditioning, according to sources briefed on the call.

The weekly virtual meetings with special agents in charge of each field office have been a long-standing practice, but this was the first one led by Patel since his swearing-in on Friday.

Shortly after the Wednesday discussion, news of Patel’s UFC proposal spread among current and former FBI officials, with some expressing support.

“If they’re trying to up their physical fitness, the UFC is very specific in their fitness,” commented ABC News contributor Rich Frankel, a former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark, New Jersey, office.