Federal Immigration Agents Arrest El Salvadoran Fugitive

A man from El Salvador, Jaime Manuel Perez, was taken into custody by federal immigration agents near a high school in Long Island. Authorities allege that he is a fugitive linked to MS-13, a notorious gang, wanted by Salvadoran officials.

The incident occurred on September 3, sparking significant backlash from activists after Perez was arrested outside his child’s school in Brentwood. Federal agents later clarified that he was wanted internationally for making threats against individuals in his home country.

“This suspected associate of MS-13 seemed to be living a quiet life, keeping to himself until his past finally caught up with him,” stated a special agent from homeland security.

Perez was reportedly flagged by Interpol with a red notice, indicating he was a national of El Salvador. His legal troubles in the U.S. began in 2019 when he crossed the border in Texas, during which he faced removal procedures. He had a hearing scheduled for February 2026.

Interestingly, he didn’t have a prior criminal record in the U.S. and was in immigration custody, awaiting his removal.

Some of Perez’s friends were quick to defend him, claiming he wasn’t involved with gangs. “Jaime was just dropping off his youngest child at school when it happened,” shared a neighbor, Kaylen Pentaleon.

Local sentiment regarding the arrest was tense. Many residents in Brentwood, which has a Hispanic population of about 70%, expressed that targeting parents during school drop-off times doesn’t serve to protect the community. “The first day of school should never be marred by raids like this,” one local resident remarked.

As the situation develops, Perez remains in custody while awaiting the next steps in his removal proceedings.