U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has arrested a high-ranking member of the MS-13 gang in Omaha, Nebraska. The individual was among El Salvador’s top 100 most wanted fugitives and is accused of multiple crimes, including aggravated homicide and terrorist organization affiliation.
The suspect was apprehended along with Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, an associate also linked to MS-13. Escobar Ochoa faces charges in El Salvador for ordering various crimes such as homicides and drug trafficking.
ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the importance of public non-interference during arrests, warning against misinformation that could endanger civilians. Both suspects were arrested without incident in a targeted operation, having been embedded in the Omaha area.
Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge, stated that these individuals brought violence and terror into the community but were unable to evade law enforcement efforts. The investigation involves HSI, ICE’s Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lyons concluded by urging public support for ICE officers who are actively working to protect neighborhoods from hidden threats. The investigation remains ongoing.
