Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” a high-ranking MS-13 leader who had been on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List since February 2025, was arrested by Mexican authorities in Veracruz on March 17 and arraigned in a Long Island federal court on March 19, 2025. He faces a four-count indictment — along with a dozen other high-ranking MS-13 leaders — charging racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy. The indictment alleges defendants directed MS-13’s unlawful activities in the U.S., El Salvador, and Mexico for two decades, including use of improvised explosive devices, military-style training camps, and targeted violence against Salvadoran law enforcement and civilians.

Read more: High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned in Long Island Federal Court on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges After His Arrest in Mexico