Mexican authorities, in coordination with U.S. law enforcement, have successfully arrested one of the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” fugitives. Francisco Javier Román Bardales, an alleged high-ranking leader of the violent gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was captured on Monday in the mountains of Veracruz. His arrest was carried out by a joint operation involving Mexican soldiers and federal agents.
High-Ranking MS-13 Gang Leader Arrested in Mexico
Román Bardales has been wanted for multiple violent crimes, including drug distribution, extortion, and organized crime activities. He has been charged in the Eastern District of New York, where U.S. officials have been working to dismantle MS-13’s criminal operations. FBI Director Kash Patel celebrated the arrest, calling it a “major victory” for both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement.
The FBI had placed Román Bardales on its most-wanted list due to his alleged involvement in orchestrating violent attacks and controlling major drug trafficking routes. His leadership within MS-13 made him a top target for authorities, as the gang is known for its brutal tactics and widespread criminal activities.
Mexico and U.S. Cooperation Leads to Swift Handover
Shortly after his arrest, Román Bardales was swiftly handed over to U.S. authorities. Mexico’s security chief, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed that the transfer was executed as part of a strong international cooperation effort between both nations. Officials referred to this as a “deportation” rather than an extradition, emphasizing the urgency of getting the fugitive into U.S. custody.
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FBI Director Kash Patel personally thanked Mexican authorities via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Román Bardales was already being transported within the United States. The quick handover signals Mexico’s commitment to working alongside the U.S. to dismantle dangerous criminal networks.
This arrest follows a series of high-profile crackdowns by Mexican authorities. Just weeks ago, Mexico handed over 29 drug cartel members to the U.S., including Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious drug kingpin responsible for the 1985 murder of U.S. DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Caro Quintero had been a fugitive for decades before being captured last year.
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Mexico’s Crackdown on Organized Crime Continues
In recent months, Mexico has intensified its fight against organized crime. Security forces have been targeting major criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa cartel, which is a primary trafficker of fentanyl into the United States. Authorities have conducted multiple raids and arrests, disrupting cartel operations and seizing large quantities of illegal drugs.
The MS-13 gang, to which Román Bardales allegedly belongs, is one of the most feared criminal organizations in the world. It was originally formed in the 1980s in Los Angeles by Salvadoran immigrants but has since expanded across Central America and the United States. MS-13 is known for its brutal tactics, including violent murders, kidnappings, and drug-related crimes. The gang has been linked to numerous attacks in both the U.S. and Latin America.
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Last month, the U.S. government classified MS-13 as a “foreign terrorist organization,” along with seven other Latin American criminal groups. This designation allows for stronger enforcement measures against the gang, including increased international cooperation to dismantle its operations.
The Trump administration has made cracking down on gangs and illegal immigration a priority. Over the weekend, U.S. authorities deported two senior members of MS-13 back to El Salvador. Hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants were also sent back to their home country as part of stricter immigration policies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been working to strengthen security ties with the United States, particularly in the areas of border control and crime prevention. Her administration has taken aggressive steps to show U.S. President Donald Trump that Mexico is a reliable partner in tackling organized crime and illegal immigration. So far, these efforts have helped Mexico avoid harsh economic measures, such as tariffs that Trump has previously threatened to impose.
The arrest of Román Bardales is another major development in the ongoing battle against international criminal organizations. It highlights the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in targeting dangerous fugitives and ensuring that justice is served.
