Ms-13 ringleader wanted for extortion, blackmail and terrorism arrested in virginia

MS-13 ringleader wanted for extortion, blackmail and terrorism arrested in Virginia

by
April 8, 2025
A fugitive MS-13 member linked to terror and extortion in El Salvador has been caught hiding in the suburbs of Northern Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A documented member of the violent MS-13 street gang wanted in El Salvador for charges including extortion, blackmail, and terrorist affiliation was arrested in Virginia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its federal and state law enforcement partners.

Key Points

  • MS-13 gang member Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres, 40, arrested in Alexandria, Va.
  • Wanted in El Salvador for aggravated extortion, blackmail, and terrorist ties
  • ICE, FBI, DEA, and Virginia State Police worked jointly in the February 25 arrest

Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres, 40, an illegal Salvadoran national, was taken into custody on February 25 in Alexandria by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations agents from Washington, D.C., in coordination with the FBI, DEA, and Virginia State Police. She is wanted in El Salvador for multiple felony charges stemming from her affiliation with the transnational criminal organization MS-13.

“Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres is not only the member of a transnational criminal enterprise… she has also apparently attempted to flee justice in her home country,” said Russ Hott, ICE Field Office Director in Washington, D.C.

Bonilla had entered the U.S. illegally through Rio Grande Valley, Texas, on February 21, 2016. She was placed into removal proceedings by U.S. Border Patrol. Authorities in El Salvador issued a warrant for her arrest on August 28, 2017. Interpol followed with a red notice on November 24, 2017.

Fugitive tracked down in Northern Virginia

Law enforcement said Bonilla had been evading international authorities for several years before being located and arrested in Northern Virginia. The operation involved interagency coordination and intelligence support from multiple federal offices.

ICE officials stated the arrest reflects a broader effort to prevent individuals linked to violent organizations from using the United States as a refuge.

Bonilla is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. No additional charges in the U.S. were announced.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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