Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, a top MS-13 leader and one of Trump’s FBI “Ten Most Wanted,” was arrested with help from the Mexican government, FBI Director Kash Patel announced. Known as “Veterano de Tribus,” the 47-year-old is being extradited to the U.S.
He faces charges of narco-terrorism, racketeering, and aiding terrorists. Patel hailed the capture as “a major victory.” Mexican officials confirmed his identity and began transfer procedures to Mexico City before his deportation. Román-Bardales allegedly oversaw killings, drug trafficking, and extortion across the U.S. and El Salvador. The arrest follows other high-profile captures under Trump, including fugitives Arnoldo Jimenez and Donald Eugene Fields II, as part of ongoing efforts against violent transnational crime.
