On Monday night, FBI Director Kash Patel took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce a significant crackdown on violent gang activity. According to Patel’s post, the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals—including members of MS-13 and other criminal gangs—as part of a coordinated effort to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. “Today the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals, including MS-13 and other gang members, as part of our mission to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Thank you to all our partners bravely doing their jobs and executing the mission,” Patel wrote.
High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Taken Into Custody
This operation comes on the heels of the arrest of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, a 27-year-old high-ranking MS-13 leader. Orellana-Aleman, originally from El Salvador and wanted there for crimes including firearm possession, extortion, and support for terrorism, was taken into custody on February 27 in Hyattsville, Maryland. As one of the top leaders of MS-13, he oversaw operations spanning the United States, Mexico, and Europe. His apprehension marks a significant milestone in efforts to dismantle this violent gang.
“The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization,” said Matthew Elliston, acting Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno echoed this sentiment, noting, “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States. David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman is no longer in his alleged position of power directing violence.”
Orellana’s Criminal Background and Illegal Entry
Orellana-Aleman was first arrested in El Salvador on December 1, 2016, on charges including illegal firearm possession and extortion. Despite his notoriety, he managed to enter the United States illegally—bypassing immigration checkpoints—before being apprehended during a traffic stop in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on December 9, 2024. Following this incident, ICE took him into custody, where he remains as the investigation continues.
Innovative Vision for FBI Fitness Training
In addition to leading the crackdown on gang activity, Director Patel has made headlines for his unconventional proposal to enhance FBI agent fitness. Patel suggested integrating fitness programs developed by the UFC into the FBI’s training regimen. This proposal, discussed during a recent teleconference with leaders from the FBI’s 55 field offices, marks Patel’s first major initiative since being sworn in as director. The plan has received mixed reviews from current and former FBI officials—some praising its innovative approach, while others question its practicality. ABC News contributor Rich Frankel, a former FBI special agent, noted, “If they’re trying to up their physical fitness, the UFC is very specific in their training.”
This comprehensive operation and the proposed UFC partnership underscore the administration’s commitment to both national security and modernizing law enforcement practices. For more information on FBI operations, visit the FBI website, and for details on ICE’s efforts, check out the ICE official site.
