ICE and FBI Capture High-Ranking MS-13 Leader, Bolstering Public Safety
David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, a high-ranking MS-13 leader, was arrested by ICE and the FBI in Maryland. He faces charges related to firearm possession, extortion, and terrorist affiliation from El Salvador. Law enforcement officials emphasized the significance of this arrest in enhancing public safety and disrupting gang operations. Orellana remains in ICE custody following his apprehension.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) successfully apprehended David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, a 27-year-old high-ranking leader of the MS-13 organization, on February 27 in Hyattsville, Maryland. Orellana, an illegal alien from El Salvador, is charged in his home country with violations including firearm possession, extortion, and terrorist affiliation. This arrest represents a critical effort to disrupt the leadership of the transnational gang.
Matthew Elliston, the acting Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, stated, “The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization.” He emphasized that this action illustrates the strong collaborative efforts between ICE and the FBI to enhance public safety by removing illegal offenders from communities.
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno remarked, “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest.” He praised the joint efforts that led to Orellana’s capture, noting that he will no longer be able to direct violence in his previous position of authority.
Orellana has a documented criminal history in El Salvador, where he was arrested on December 1, 2016. Authorities charged him with possession of a firearm, extortion, and being affiliated with the terrorist organization MS-13. He subsequently entered the United States illegally, and in December 2024, he was also charged for driving without a license by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Following his recent arrest, Orellana remains in ICE custody. Community members are encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities by contacting ICE via the hotline at 866-DHS-2-ICE or submitting information through their online tip form. More information regarding ICE’s public safety mission in Maryland can be found on their social media platform.
The arrest of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman marks a significant development in the effort to dismantle MS-13’s leadership and enhance public safety in Maryland. His actions as a high-ranking member of the gang have been curtailed, demonstrating the efficacy of collaborative law enforcement efforts. This operation highlights the continued commitment of both ICE and the FBI to protect communities from the influence of transnational criminal organizations.
Original Source: www.ice.gov
