Alleged MS-13 Leader Extradited From Mexico

The extradition of MS-13 leader Francisco Javier Román-Bardales marks a pivotal development in combating the notorious gang’s international operations.

Key Insights

Román-Bardales, an MS-13 leader, was apprehended in Mexico and extradited to the US for trial.
He was on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list for his role in violent gang activities across the Americas.
The cooperation of international law enforcement agencies facilitated his capture and extradition.
The arrest underscores ongoing US efforts to combat gang-related violence and drug trafficking.

Capture and Extradition

Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, alleged as a senior MS-13 leader, was captured in Veracruz, Mexico by Mexican soldiers and federal agents. His arrest followed coordinated surveillance operations and intelligence cooperation among international agencies. Román-Bardales was subsequently extradited to the US, aligning with broader efforts to curb gang influence across borders.

The FBI, identifying Román-Bardales as an alleged “key senior leader” of MS-13, had listed him among the “Ten Most Wanted” fugitives. The arrest signals continuing cooperation between the US and Mexican governments, with Loreta Ortiz, the Special Prosecutor’s office, and SSPC joining forces to deter transnational criminal activities.

The FBI extradited an alleged senior leader of the MS-13 gang who was on the agency's "10 most wanted" list with the help of the Mexican government, FBI Director Kash Patel said. https://t.co/aWUVjNL3h1

— ABC News (@ABC) March 18, 2025

Criminal Charges

Román-Bardales faces charges in the Eastern District of New York related to narco-terrorism, racketeering, and alien smuggling. Additionally, he’s implicated in ordering violence, drug distribution, and extortion in both the U.S. and El Salvador. This arrest is part of a larger U.S. strategy to target foreign terrorist organizations like MS-13.

This extradition follows other significant operations where Mexican authorities handed over several cartel figures to the US, demonstrating increased security collaboration. As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to deport MS-13 members, these actions reflect a definitive stance on confronting and dismantling organized crime networks.

Implications and Future Actions

The Justice Department and federal agencies are intensifying efforts to combat cross-border crime. Designating MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization underlines the US’s efforts to curtail gang-related violence and influence international policy. In announcing the extradition of Roman-Bardales, FBI Director Kash Patel expressed gratitude to Mexico for its assistance, saying, “This crucial step enhances the safety of communities across America.”