ICE Takes Down High-ranking MS-13 Gang Leaders Wanted for Murder

One fugitive appears on El Salvador's 100 Most Wanted list; the other triggered an INTERPOL Red Notice

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Omaha arrested two senior MS-13 gang leaders this week who are wanted in El Salvador for violent crimes including murder, drug trafficking, and gang conspiracy.

"The Biden Administration allowed two ringleaders of MS-13, one of the most violent gangs in the world, straight into our country. One of these depraved aliens is on El Salvador's 100 Most Wanted Fugitives list and is wanted for five counts of murder. The other has an INTERPOL notice for drug trafficking. These are the kinds of scum-bags sanctuary politicians are protecting and letting walk free on America's streets," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

On July 9, 2025, HSI special agents led coordinated enforcement operations that resulted in the arrest of two criminal illegal aliens who are confirmed members of MS-13, one of the world's most violent foreign terrorist organizations, that rapes, maims, and tortures Americans and victims for sport.

Agents arrested Rene Escobar-Ochoa during the operation in Omaha, Nebraska. U.S. Border Patrol first encountered him in 2023, and he was allowed to remain in the country. He faces an INTERPOL Red Notice from El Salvador for drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder.

Agents also tracked down another individual-a Salvadoran national-in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This individual appears on El Salvador's 100 Most Wanted Fugitives list and is wanted for five counts of murder. U.S. authorities previously convicted him for illegally crossing the border, a federal crime.

Their ability to enter and operate in the United States emphasized the danger of letting violent offenders exploit our border-and reinforces why the Trump Administration refuses to let its guard down.

HSI Omaha led the operation with support from federal and international law enforcement partners.

ICE currently holds both individuals in custody. The agency has initiated removal proceedings and will continue coordinating with El Salvadoran authorities to send them back to face justice.

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