Last night, MS-13 leader Joel Vargas-Escobar, also known as Momia, was apprehended in New York. Vargas-Escobar faces multiple charges linked to 11 murders, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of murder-in-aid of racketeering. After being deported to El Salvador, he reentered the U.S. illegally, evading capture for nearly four years.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the arrest, stating, "The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan." Bondi emphasized the unwavering commitment to dismantling MS-13, describing Vargas-Escobar as a "terrorist" accused of orchestrating multiple murders.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the significance of the arrest, referring to it as a "major win" for federal agents and law enforcement, promising ongoing efforts to ensure safety on American streets. Patel added, "Our agents and analysts are continuously coordinating across multiple field offices and investigating with our valued partners to keep this work going."
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah reinforced this commitment, saying, "No matter where a violent MS-13 fugitive hides or how long it takes, our skilled law enforcement partners will find them." Chattah also noted an aggressive prosecution for Vargas-Escobar’s alleged involvement in murders in Nevada and California.
Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Division underscored the FBI's dedication to working with various agencies to counter criminal organizations, encouraging public support for their mission. Evans stated, "Every family has the right to reside in a community free from fear and gang violence."
Court documents describe MS-13 as a transnational gang with over 10,000 members active in the U.S., Central America, and Mexico, using violence and criminal activities to sustain operations. Within MS-13, groups known as "cliques" are led by "shot callers." Vargas-Escobar is alleged to have led the Parkview clique in Las Vegas, playing a significant role in the gang's operations.
Vargas-Escobar’s arrest operation was supported through collaboration among various FBI field offices and the Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). JTFV, established in 2019, coordinates with multiple U.S. Attorney's Offices and federal agencies to dismantle criminal organizations like MS-13.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to combat illegal immigration and transnational crime. Vargas-Escobar had his initial court appearance in New York and will be transferred to Nevada for trial. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorneys for the District of Nevada, with support from the Joint Task Force Vulcan and the Eastern District of California. An indictment represents accusations, and Vargas-Escobar is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.