Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a reputed high-ranking MS-13 leader, was arraigned in federal court in Central Islip, Long Island, on charges that include directing the criminal organization's affairs across the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and other locations. Roman-Bardales, who had been on the run for nearly three years, was captured by the FBI at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after Mexican authorities detained him in Veracruz, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York reported.
Known as "Veterano de Tribus," Roman-Bardales faces a litany of charges including racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy, his arrest comes after adding his name to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List just last month, he will now face justice in New York, where MS-13 has left an indelible mark on many communities. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stressed the resolve of the Department of Justice to quell terrorism by stating that “Members of MS-13 and similar groups should live in fear knowing that we will hunt them down, prosecute them, and deliver swift American justice for their heinous crimes,” as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
United States Attorney John J. Durham highlighted the global impact of this arrest, describing it as a step forward in dismantling a criminal operation that has terrorized beyond borders, stating, “Thanks to the relentless and brave work of United States law enforcement, he will soon face reckoning in a courtroom on Long Island where his transnational criminal organization has impacted so many communities,” as obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The officials also thanked multiple law enforcement partners including the Suffolk County Police Department and the Government of Mexico for their assistance in this capture.
As outlined by federal prosecutors, Roman-Bardales and other MS-13 leaders really exerted authority over operations, wielding power to direct violent criminal activities that aimed at influencing policies of the government of El Salvador while expanding their influence in territories as far as the United States and Mexico, meanwhile, the Department of Justice has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 affiliates for over 80 murders in the Eastern District of New York alone, showcasing the ruthlessness and reach of the gang. FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie Backschies affirmed the commitment to dismantle violent transnational criminal organizations and stated that "FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Roman-Bardales has been extradited to the United States to be held accountable for the extreme and depraved violence and terror his leadership of MS-13 allegedly brought to the streets of the United States and across North America," according to the same press release.
The case is a part of Joint Task Force Vulcan's ongoing efforts against MS-13, which coordinates across multiple federal attorney's offices and law enforcement agencies. Operation Take Back America also falls under the umbrella efforts to tackle illegal immigration, cartel activity, and transnational criminal organizations. While the charges against Roman-Bardales are allegations, if convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty, Assistant United States Attorneys Justina L. Geraci, Paul G. Scotti, and Megan E. Farrell lead the prosecution, receiving support from various operatives including Paralegal Specialist Kerryanne Ucci and Automated Litigation Specialist Michael Compitello.
