The FBI has arrested another fugitive from its “Ten Most Wanted” list, marking the third major capture since Donald Trump took office. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted this success on social media platform X, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to law enforcement.
Major Arrest Under New Leadership
On Tuesday night, Patel stated that the FBI’s latest success is “not an accident.” He credited the bureau’s partnership with the Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, for making the arrest possible.
“When you let good cops be good cops, this is what happens,” Patel wrote. “This administration is giving the new FBI and AG Bondi the resources to get the job done — and we won’t stop.”
MS-13 Leader Captured in Mexico
While Patel did not specify details about the most recent capture, his announcement came shortly after confirming the arrest of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a senior MS-13 leader. Roman-Bardales had been directing the gang’s criminal operations across the U.S., Mexico, and El Salvador.
Authorities arrested him in Mexico on Monday. He now faces extradition to the United States, where he will stand trial. The FBI had offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Extradition Marks a Major Win
In a statement on X, Patel confirmed the operation’s success.
“I can now confirm that last night, working with the Justice Department and interagency partners, the FBI extradited one of our ‘Ten Most Wanted’ from Mexico — one we believe to be a key senior leader of MS-13, Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales,” he said. “This is a major victory for law enforcement and a safer America.”
Mexico’s Role in Recent Arrests
According to Newsweek, Mexican officials first announced Roman-Bardales’ arrest on Monday. Authorities reportedly captured him in the mountains of Veracruz during a coordinated operation.
His extradition follows Mexico’s recent handover of 29 cartel members to the U.S., including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero. Quintero is accused of orchestrating the 1985 murder of a DEA agent.
MS-13 Labeled a Terrorist Organization
Last month, the Trump administration classified MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization. The gang is one of eight Latin American criminal groups to receive this designation, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s crackdown on organized crime.
About The Author
