NEW YORK, N.Y. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in New York have arrested a known 18th Street gang member wanted in El Salvador for attempted homicide, officials confirmed Friday.
Luis Alberto Hernandez Guillen, 27, a Salvadoran national, was taken into custody by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City. Authorities say Hernandez Guillen is a documented member of the violent 18th Street gang and is the subject of an active arrest warrant in his home country.
ICE publicly announced the arrest on social media Friday afternoon, writing, “We arrested this 18th Street Salvadoran gang member wanted in his home country for attempted homicide.”
According to the agency, Hernandez Guillen will be held in U.S. custody pending removal proceedings. No information was provided regarding how long he has been in the United States or where he was apprehended.
The 18th Street gang, also known as “Barrio 18,” is a transnational criminal organization with a significant presence in both Central America and U.S. cities. ICE has previously labeled members of the gang as a threat to public safety due to their involvement in violent crimes.
Pending removal proceedings for gang-affiliated suspect
ICE said its Enforcement and Removal Operations division continues to prioritize the arrest of individuals posing threats to national and public security. It remains unclear whether Hernandez Guillen faces charges in the U.S. or is being held solely for immigration violations.
The agency emphasized its cooperation with foreign governments to locate and repatriate fugitives who have fled prosecution in their countries of origin.