MS-13 Gang Leader Wanted for Murder In El Salvador Captured in NYC with Loaded Gun and Drugs

ERO New York City arrests international fugitive, MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for murderPhoto byU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

By Kristy Tallman, July 7, 2024

NEW YORK - On June 20, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City apprehended Melvin Orlando Hernandez Villanueva, an unlawfully present noncitizen wanted by Salvadoran authorities for two counts of aggravated homicide and unlawful association with criminal groups. Hernandez, an MS-13 gang member, is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for these crimes.

ERO Fugitive Operations officers from the Long Island office, along with members of the FBI’s Gang Task Force, arrested the 27-year-old Salvadoran national near his residence in Queens without incident. The officers recovered a loaded handgun, a box of ammunition, and a small amount of marijuana during the arrest. Hernandez has been transferred to Central Islip for processing and will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.

“This violent criminal and MS-13 gang member erroneously thought he could escape murder charges in El Salvador by sneaking into the United States and hiding out in New York City,” said ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “We will apprehend these international fugitives and repatriate them to their countries of origin to face justice. I am grateful for the courageous efforts and outstanding teamwork between my officers and our law enforcement partners for safely removing this dangerous individual from the community.”

Salvadoran authorities issued an arrest warrant for Hernandez on March 28, 2019, for two counts of aggravated homicide and unlawful association. He unlawfully entered the United States at an unknown date and location, bypassing designated ports of entry.

On October 2, 2023, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Hernandez. The FBI provided ERO New York City’s Long Island officers with this information on October 12, 2023.

“One cannot get away with murder, even when attempting to flee and hide in another country,” said FBI New York Field Office acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis. “Melvin Orlando Hernandez Villanueva, an MS-13 gang member, allegedly illegally lived in our city to evade El Salvadorian authorities and avoid facing retribution for his alleged murder charges. This arrest reflects the FBI’s commitment to capturing fugitives and removing dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods.”

Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive legal due process from federal immigration judges in immigration courts administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, separate from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Immigration judges make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, and ICE officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement, focusing on the arrest and removal of individuals undermining the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. ERO’s workforce consists of over 7,700 personnel across 25 domestic field offices, 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewYork.

By Kristy Tallman, July 7, 2024
The Republic News
Source: ERO New York City

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