A dangerous MS-13 gang leader, wanted for his role in nearly a dozen murders across the United States, was arrested on Tuesday night on Long Island, New York, after spending four years on the run.
The suspect, Joel Vargas-Escobar, also known by his gang name “Momia”, was caught by FBI agents in Westbury, Nassau County. He is believed to be connected to 11 murders that took place in Nevada and California, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Gang Leader Entered the US Illegally
Joel Vargas-Escobar is a citizen of El Salvador who entered the US illegally. Authorities say he was the leader of the Parkview clique, a violent group within the MS-13 gang based in Las Vegas. In 2017, he allegedly gave orders to kill at least two of the 11 victims, making him one of the most dangerous gang leaders operating in the country.
Previously Deported, Returned Illegally
Officials revealed that Vargas-Escobar was deported from the US in 2018, but he illegally re-entered the country shortly after. Since then, he had been a wanted fugitive for nearly four years. He managed to stay hidden until federal agents arrested him in Long Island earlier this week.
He is now being transferred to Nevada, where he was first charged in a 2021 federal indictment. His charges include racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses.
If convicted, he faces mandatory life imprisonment.
Part of Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Gangs
The arrest comes as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and violent gangs. Under Trump’s leadership, the Justice Department has classified gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as terrorist organizations.
“This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars.”
FBI Calls It a Major Victory
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the arrest, calling it a major win for law enforcement and for public safety. “Our agents and analysts are working across the country to track down violent criminals like Vargas-Escobar,” Patel said. “We will not stop until all members of these violent gangs are removed from our communities.”
Long Island, where the arrest happened, has been one of the places most affected by MS-13 violence. Many quiet suburban neighborhoods in the area have suffered due to gang activity in recent years.
