In late March 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi—together with FBI Director Kash Patel and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin—announced the arrest of Henrry Villatoro Santos, described as a “top three” national leader of the notorious MS‑13 gang. A multi‑agency federal task force, including FBI SWAT, ICE, ATF, and state law enforcement, executed a pre-dawn raid on his home in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Key case details:
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Santos, aged 24 and an undocumented migrant, was wanted on weapons charges under the federal “alien-in-possession” statute The SunABC News.
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During the raid, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, suppressors, and MS‑13 insignia.
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The arrest formed part of a wider crackdown that resulted in over 300 criminal migrant detentions in a single month.
President Trump praised the operation and applauded former ICE Official Tom Homan as a “superstar” for his role YouTube+8ABC News+8U.S. Department of Homeland Security+8. Bondi declared: “America is safer today. One of the top domestic terrorists in MS‑13 is off the streets.”.
In the aftermath, Trump directed satellite surveillance resources toward the U.S.–Mexico border to intensify the pursuit of organized criminal gangs.
2. High‑Value ISIS‑K Arrest: Afghan Terrorist Captured
On March 5, 2025, Federal authorities flagged the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah (aka “Jafar”), a senior ISIS‑K operative linked to the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing during the fall of Kabul.
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Role in attack: Sharifullah admitted (during FBI interrogation) that he scoped the bombing route and provided logistical assistance.
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Capture details: He was captured by Pakistani and U.S. intelligence in Balochistan and extradited to U.S. custody, facing federal charges for providing material support to a terrorist organization that resulted in death AP News.
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President Trump, during a congressional address, announced the capture as a “significant milestone” and praised Pakistan’s role.
This arrest underscores efforts by the FBI, under Trump’s leadership, to dismantle global terror networks and reinforce national security.
3. Broader “Ten Most Wanted” Success
In mid-March 2025, the White House reported that FBI Director Patel had secured the extradition of Francisco Javier Roman‑Bardales, a senior MS‑13 fugitive from Mexico.
This marked the third “Ten Most Wanted” capture since Trump’s inauguration in January, following:
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Arnoldo Jimenez (charged with first-degree murder; captured January 30)
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Donald Eugene Fields II (charged with child sex offenses; captured January 25) The White House.
The arrests collectively emphasize a broader national strategy targeting violent gang activity and terror threats.
4. Context: Trump’s Renewed Justice Agenda
These arrests are part of a sweeping Trump administration agenda since January 2025:
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Immigration sweeps: ICE detained over 32,000 individuals in its first 50 days, 1,155 of whom were suspected gang members; 39 were flagged as suspected terrorists U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Courthouse enforcement: The FBI even arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly obstructing an ICE arrest inside a courthouse—an event that sparked concern about executive overreach.
5. Reaction & Implications
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Supporters praise these actions as vital steps to restore public safety and uphold the rule of law, especially against violent and transnational threats.
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Critics argue that such sweeping operations may infringe civil liberties, threaten sanctuary city policies, and create a culture of fear—echoing concerns over politicized use of federal law enforcement.
6. What’s Next
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Xenophobic surveillance: Trump’s directive to deploy spy satellites on the southern border suggests increasing federal monitoring The Sun.
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Ongoing prosecutions: Santos, Sharifullah, and Roman‑Bardales await federal court proceedings. The public can expect detailed legal updates.
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Policy debate: These arrests continue to inflame the national conversation on immigration enforcement, judicial independence, and executive power.
🧭 Bottom Line
Trump’s FBI has initiated a forceful crackdown, bringing down high-profile gang and terror leaders—actions that reinforce his law-and-order platform even as they stoke fierce debate over federal authority and civil rights.
