Florida AG Announces Arrests of MS-13 Members Linked to Brutal 2015 Murder

In a major step in the fight against one of America’s most violent gangs, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of three MS-13 members connected to a gruesome 2015 killing in Palm Beach. The suspects—Jose “Chango” Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla, Wilber “Blue” Rosendo Navarro-Escobar, and Hugo “Power” Adiel Bermudez-Martinez—are accused of stabbing and shooting 22-year-old Gerson Vilelio Vasquez-Portillo, a rival gang member.

Bondi emphasized that these arrests are just the beginning. “We’re coming for every one of them,” she said, promising more arrests as law enforcement intensifies efforts against MS-13 nationwide.

Justice After Years of Silence

The case had gone cold for years until it was reopened in 2020, leading to new leads and eventually the arrests. Authorities say the murder was part of a pattern of violent attacks carried out by MS-13 to assert dominance and eliminate rivals in South Florida.

Investigators are also looking into several other MS-13-related killings, including the stabbing death of 18-year-old Joel Antonio Canizales-Lara, who was murdered after falsely claiming to be in the gang, and the shooting of Omar DeJesus Gutierrez, allegedly ordered by MS-13 leader Wilson Tirado-Silva after Gutierrez flashed a rival gang sign. Tirado-Silva and several accomplices, including Melvin David Cruz-Ortiz, now face charges in connection with multiple murders.

Nationwide Crackdown on MS-13

Beyond Florida, federal authorities are making moves to dismantle MS-13 leadership across the country. Recently, the Department of Justice announced the arrest of Joel Vargas-Escobar—also known as “Momia”—a senior MS-13 leader wanted for his role in at least 11 killings. Vargas-Escobar was captured in New York after evading authorities for nearly four years. He had previously been deported to El Salvador but illegally re-entered the U.S.

He now faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and related weapons charges. His arrest was part of a coordinated federal effort involving the DOJ’s Criminal Division, the FBI, and Joint Task Force Vulcan.

“These arrests make our communities safer,” said Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re committed to dismantling this violent gang and putting every last one of its members behind bars.”

The crackdown marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to weaken MS-13’s presence and prevent further violence across the U.S.

MS-13: Ongoing Crackdown Targets One of America’s Most Dangerous Gangs

The Justice Department continues its aggressive efforts to dismantle MS-13, one of the most violent and well-organized gangs operating in the United States. With more than 10,000 members nationwide, MS-13 is known for its brutal crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling. The gang primarily consists of individuals from El Salvador and Central America and has a strong presence not only in at least 10 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., but also in Mexico and Central America.

How MS-13 Operates

MS-13 is structured into smaller factions known as “cliques,” each led by “shot callers” who direct criminal activity. These leaders oversee everything from narcotics distribution and firearms theft to recruiting new members. The gang is notorious for its ruthless methods—often using machetes, knives, and firearms to carry out attacks against rivals or anyone who challenges their authority.

MS-13 also profits through extortion of local businesses and human trafficking operations. Their aim is to maintain control over neighborhoods through violence and intimidation, making it incredibly difficult for local communities and law enforcement to intervene.

The Toll on American Communities

In areas where MS-13 is active, residents live under the shadow of fear. Intimidation keeps people from speaking up or cooperating with police, which further empowers the gang. The murders of Joel Antonio Canizales-Lara, Omar DeJesus Gutierrez, and Gerson Vasquez-Portillo are tragic examples of the senseless violence the gang inflicts. Their stories are part of a much larger pattern of brutality that has devastated families and neighborhoods across the country.

Federal Strategy: Target the Leaders, Dismantle the Network

Under the Trump administration, targeting MS-13 became a federal priority. Resources were increased for agencies such as the FBI, DOJ, and Border Patrol, all working together to arrest and prosecute gang members and leaders. These efforts also include disrupting the gang’s financial operations—cutting off revenue streams that fuel their activities.

Recent arrests of MS-13 leaders, including Joel “Momia” Vargas-Escobar in New York, underscore the effectiveness of this strategy. Vargas-Escobar, wanted for his role in at least 11 murders, had been on the run for nearly four years before being caught. His arrest was part of a broader operation led by DOJ’s Criminal Division, FBI, and Joint Task Force Vulcan.

A Global Fight Against a Transnational Threat

MS-13’s reach goes beyond U.S. borders. That’s why international cooperation—with law enforcement agencies in Mexico and Central America—is critical. Joint efforts have already led to multiple high-profile arrests of gang members operating overseas. These partnerships are vital to tackling MS-13’s cross-border networks.

Looking Ahead: The Fight Isn’t Over

Despite recent victories, authorities stress that the job isn’t done. MS-13 remains a threat, and law enforcement is still pursuing fugitives and tracking down gang leaders who continue to direct criminal activities. Ongoing investigations are expected to lead to more arrests in the coming months.

Prosecutors are also working to break the gang’s financial systems, aiming to cripple their ability to operate and recruit. The more these networks are disrupted, the harder it becomes for MS-13 to maintain its grip on communities.

Teamwork and Vigilance Are Key

None of this progress would be possible without the collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. ICE, DEA, Customs and Border Protection, and local police departments are all playing crucial roles. Their combined efforts—alongside international partnerships—are helping bring gang members to justice and make American neighborhoods safer.

Conclusion: Staying the Course Against MS-13

The arrests and investigations into MS-13 mark significant progress, but the threat remains real. The gang’s history of violence, drug trafficking, and human exploitation makes it a top priority for law enforcement. While the path ahead is long, the continued focus and collaboration of federal authorities promise to keep the pressure on.

For the families of victims and the communities affected by MS-13, justice may be slow—but it is coming. As more arrests are made and cases brought to court, the goal remains clear: to break MS-13’s hold and protect American lives from its violence.