MS-13 gang member and 'violent criminal' wanted for murder 'hiding out in New York'

A "violent criminal " wanted for murder has been caught after "hiding out" in New York City . Melvin Orlando Hernandez Villanueva was snared after he fled El Salvador and entered the US illegally on an unknown date.

The 27-year-old was arrested near his home in Queens on June 20 by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). The "dangerous" MS-13 gang member was being pursued by Salvadoran authorities for prosecution on two counts of aggravated homicide and unlawful groups. Hernandez is the subject of an Interpol Red Note for the crimes .

During the arrest , officers recovered a loaded handgun, a box of ammunition and marijuana . Hernandez will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.

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“This violent criminal 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... officers and law enforcement for safely removing this dangerous individual from the community.”

A warrant was issued for Hernandez's arrest in March 2019. Before that, Hernandez had unlawfully entered the US at an undesignated port of entry, meaning he was not admitted, inspected or paroled by a US immigration official.

In October 2023, Interpol issued a Red Notice indicating Hernandez was wanted by authorities in El Salvador for the various charges. Days later, the FBI passed on information to ERO about Hernandez’s Interpol Red Notice.

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“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.

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"With the assistance of our law enforcement partners. This arrest reflects the FBI’s commitment to capturing fugitives and removing dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods.”

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