In a significant law enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of Ismael Enrique Mendoza Flores, also known as “El Calaco,” a notorious MS-13 gang leader and one of El Salvador’s most wanted fugitives. The arrest took place on the morning of October 2, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia. El Calaco has been wanted in his home country for aggravated homicide and participation in illicit criminal associations.
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El Calaco’s capture marks the removal of a dangerous individual who had been evading law enforcement for years. The Salvadoran National Police “Most Wanted Gang Members” Program lists him, highlighting the severity of his criminal background. In addition to his charges in El Salvador, authorities had previously charged El Calaco in the United States for unauthorized use of a vehicle. Law enforcement arrested him on August 23, 2025, in Virginia for this offense before executing the international warrant.
This MS-13 gang member, El Calaco, was wanted for murder. These are the types of criminal immigrants without papers that sanctuary politicians across Virginia are protecting as they demonize law enforcement. President Trump and Secretary Noem are not going to allow gang members to terrorize American citizens.” This statement underscores ICE’s commitment to targeting individuals considered highly dangerous to public safety.
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Criminal Background and Gang Affiliations of El Calaco
El Calaco has a long and violent criminal history, particularly as a member of MS-13, one of the most notorious international gangs. MS-13, known for its extreme violence and organized criminal activities, operates across multiple countries, including the United States and Central America. El Calaco’s involvement in aggravated homicide in El Salvador made him a priority target for authorities.
He reportedly entered the United States as a juvenile in 2015, during the Obama Administration, a detail law enforcement officials have highlighted. His case shows the challenges authorities face in tracking transnational criminals who exploit legal and administrative gaps to evade capture. U.S. officials emphasized that ongoing investigations and coordination between federal agencies led to the arrest of El Calaco, ensuring that authorities identify and remove dangerous individuals.
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The Salvadoran National Police “Most Wanted Gang Members” Program tracks criminals who pose a severe threat to public safety, including El Calaco. Listing him on this program indicates that he actively participated in organized crime at the highest levels. Law enforcement sees his arrest as a major achievement in disrupting gang operations both within the U.S. and internationally.
Coordination Between U.S. Agencies
The arrest of El Calaco involved meticulous coordination between ICE and other law enforcement bodies. Despite challenges such as political disputes over government operations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that officers continued executing critical missions to secure the nation. Officials emphasized that law enforcement’s role in apprehending dangerous criminals remains uninterrupted, even amid wider government issues such as potential shutdowns.
ICE agents worked carefully to track El Calaco and ensure his arrest did not endanger the public. Law enforcement sources explained that operations targeting gang leaders require extensive planning, intelligence gathering, and collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies. In this case, El Calaco was taken into custody safely without reported incidents during the arrest operation.
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Officials noted that El Calaco’s arrest also demonstrates the United States’ commitment to international cooperation. By acting on an active murder warrant from El Salvador, ICE and DHS show that borders do not shield fugitives from facing justice. The apprehension reinforces efforts to reduce transnational crime and prevent gang-related violence from spreading within U.S. communities.
Through this operation, ICE highlighted its ongoing mission to protect American citizens from dangerous criminal elements. El Calaco, as a member of MS-13 with multiple criminal charges in El Salvador and the United States, represents the kind of high-risk individuals that law enforcement agencies actively pursue. Authorities continue to monitor and investigate connections within transnational criminal networks to prevent further threats.
To read the original order please visit DHS website.