ICE arrests MS-13, 18th Street gang members and convicted kidnappers in DC crime crackdown
WASHINGTON, DC — Federal immigration authorities have arrested multiple criminal illegal aliens in the nation’s capital over the past week—including MS-13 and 18th Street gang members and two convicted kidnappers—according to information released by the Department of Homeland Security.
The arrests were made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of the Trump administration’s intensified law enforcement operations in Washington, D.C., aimed at curbing surging violent crime. The sweep, which began August 12, is part of a broader federal crackdown targeting undocumented individuals with prior criminal convictions and gang affiliations.
Among those taken into custody:
- Cristian Salmeron-Osorio, an illegal alien from El Salvador, identified as a known MS-13 gang member with a prior conviction for assault.
- Jossue Garcia-Portillo, also from El Salvador, a confirmed member of the 18th Street gang.
- Geiser Fernandez-Vasquez, a Venezuelan national previously convicted of kidnapping.
- Carlos Fuentes, another Salvadoran national, who also has a past kidnapping conviction.
A DHS official confirmed the arrests to Fox News and indicated that each individual was located and apprehended in the Washington, D.C. area as part of targeted enforcement actions.
The operation marks a renewed emphasis by federal authorities on immigration enforcement in jurisdictions facing crime concerns. While D.C. has seen an overall drop in homicides this year, recent months have included several high-profile incidents prompting calls for action from residents and city leaders.
All four suspects are in federal custody and face removal proceedings, according to DHS.
The Biden administration had previously scaled back interior immigration enforcement priorities, but under former President Trump’s current campaign platform—and recent administration cooperation with local law enforcement—federal officials have expanded efforts to remove non-citizens with violent criminal records.
Further arrests are expected as the operation continues across the capital in the coming days.
Key Points
- Four criminal illegal aliens arrested in Washington, DC since August 12 by ICE and CBP
- Arrestees include MS-13 and 18th Street gang members and two convicted kidnappers
- DHS confirms operation is part of broader Trump administration-led crime crackdown in the capital
A fresh federal sweep in DC is pulling violent offenders off the streets as gang members and kidnappers face deportation.
