Earlier today, Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a high-ranking leader of the notorious gang MS-13, was arraigned in Long Island federal court. He faces a four-count indictment alongside other senior MS-13 leaders for directing illegal activities across the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and beyond over two decades.
Roman-Bardales, known as Veterano de Tribus, was arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego after being apprehended by Mexican authorities in Veracruz. Having been on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List since last month, he was expelled from Mexico due to his lack of valid status there.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment to combating terrorism: “MS-13 is a terrorist organization and this case reflects the Department of Justice’s ironclad commitment to putting terrorists behind bars.”
U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York highlighted the significance of this prosecution: “The prosecution in the Eastern District of New York of this international fugitive...is another momentous step in dismantling this evil criminal enterprise.”
Court documents reveal that Roman-Bardales and his co-defendants hold significant leadership roles within MS-13's structure, which includes groups like Ranfla Nacional and Ranfla en Las Calles. These groups have engaged in violent activities aimed at influencing El Salvador's government policies and gaining concessions.
The defendants are accused of authorizing violence in multiple countries to expand MS-13’s influence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has prosecuted numerous MS-13 members for crimes including over 80 murders since 2009.
Roman-Bardales is charged with racketeering conspiracy among other serious offenses. He remains detained pending trial where he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted.
This case is part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), involving various U.S. Attorney’s Offices and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It falls under Operation Take Back America, aiming to combat illegal immigration and transnational crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justina L. Geraci, Paul G. Scotti, and Megan E. Farrell are leading the prosecution efforts with support from other legal specialists.
An indictment serves as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.