An accused leader of the notorious MS-13 gang, Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, will remain in federal custody after a detention hearing revealed sufficient probable cause to support the government’s allegations against him.

This ruling was made by U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter during proceedings held on March 27, 2025, in the Eastern District of Virginia. Santos, a 24-year-old Salvadoran national, was apprehended last week in the suburban area of Woodbridge, located just south of Washington, D.C.

Charges Against Santos

Santos has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm as an undocumented immigrant. His arrest was part of a larger operation that the FBI confirmed publicly on the same day. Notably, during the investigation, agents discovered a significant cache of weapons in Santos’ residence.

Authorities reported that they found a 9mm handgun, three additional firearms, ammunition, and two suppressors in his bedroom, which underscores the serious nature of the charges against him.

Context of the Arrest

Santos’ detention hearing follows recent controversies surrounding the deportation practices of the Trump administration. Court documents indicate that a Salvadoran individual, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was mistakenly sent back to El Salvador despite holding protected legal status in the U.S. Garcia was removed amid a group of Salvadoran and Venezuelan migrants on March 15, suspected of gang connections.

Vice President JD Vance addressed this matter in a social media post, asserting that Garcia was a convicted MS-13 member with no legal standing to remain in the U.S.

Operational Details

The operation leading to Santos’ arrest was notable for its tactical execution. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating, “They executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guy’s in custody. And thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country is a lot safer today.”

The arrest took place at a nearby tactical operations center, with high-ranking officials from the Department of Justice present, including Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and others.

Official Reactions and Implications

Following Santos’ apprehension, former President Donald Trump praised the operation on social media, asserting that the capture was a significant achievement. Patel echoed Trump’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of effective law enforcement strategies in combating gang violence.