Alleged MS-13 Leader Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos Remains in Custody Following Detention Hearing

An alleged leader of the notorious MS-13 gang will remain in federal custody after a judge determined there is probable cause supporting the government’s case against him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter of the Eastern District of Virginia issued this ruling during a detention hearing for Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old Salvadoran national apprehended last week in suburban Virginia.

The FBI announced Santos’s arrest on March 27 in Woodbridge, located just south of Washington, D.C. He faces charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Background of the Case

Santos’s hearing occurs amidst revelations that the Trump administration mistakenly repatriated a Salvadoran man holding protected legal status. This man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was removed from Maryland when the administration sent several planeloads of Salvadoran and Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s ‘Terrorism Confinement Center’ on March 15, citing alleged gang affiliations.

Political Reactions

Vice President JD Vance mentioned these court documents in a post on social media, asserting, “You apparently didn’t read he was a convicted MS-13 gang member with no legal right to be here.” This raised significant discussions surrounding immigration enforcement and gang-related deportations.

Operation and Arrest Details

Key figures present during Santos’s arrest included Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other senior officials such as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. The operation took place at a nearby tactical operations center.

Bondi stated, “They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy’s in custody. Thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country is a lot safer today.” This statement underscores the perceived success of law enforcement in combating gang violence.

Evidence Collected

During the execution of search warrants related to this case, authorities discovered a 9mm handgun, along with three other firearms, ammunition, and two suppressors in Villatoro’s bedroom, according to the documentation presented in court.

Statements of Support

President Donald Trump praised law enforcement leadership involved in the operation, stating on social media, “Great job by Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Tom Homan, and Kristi N, on the capture of MS-13 leader – A big deal!” This reflects the administration’s continued focus on curbing gang activities throughout the United States.

Echoing the President’s commendation, Patel remarked, “This is what can happen when you put good cops in good places to take on bad guys. And America should be watching this. We are proud to stand with these brave warriors.” This highlights the ongoing efforts by federal agencies to dismantle organized crime networks.

Legal Developments and Future Proceedings

In light of the current legal proceedings, Fox News Digital has sought comments from Santos’s attorney to ascertain the defense’s perspective regarding the charges. The case remains dynamic, with implications reaching beyond individual prosecution to broader discussions about immigration and public safety.

As developments unfold, this story raises critical questions about how law enforcement deals with gang affiliations and the considerations surrounding legal status during apprehensions.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Fox News’ David Spunt, Jake Gibson, and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.