Gang Leader Arrested in U.S.
A notorious convicted murderer, listed among El Salvador’s most wanted, has been apprehended in the United States while living there illegally. He was notable for a tattoo of “666” on his forehead.
Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla was taken into custody last month in Maryland for driving without a license. However, in his home country, he is wanted for serious crimes, including extortion, drug possession, and aggravated murder. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this was confirmed in a statement released on Monday.
Authorities labeled him as an undocumented immigrant, with tattoos adorning his face, particularly the “666.” He is recognized as a confirmed member of the 18th Street Gang, which is categorized as a foreign terrorist organization and is prominently featured on El Salvador’s wanted list.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted that this arrest serves as an example of ICE focusing on the most dangerous individuals. While Lazo-Quintanilla may not have a violent history within the U.S., officials believe he presents a clear danger to community safety.
McLaughlin asserted that his arrest illustrates ICE’s commitment to detaining criminal illegal aliens before they can harm anyone in America.
Details regarding when he arrived in the U.S. are somewhat unclear, but it’s been established that he has been living in the country illegally for some time. The 18th Street Gang, also referred to as Barrio 18, ranks among the largest and most violent criminal organizations in Central America.
The statement from DHS noted that roughly 70% of ICE arrests involve illegal aliens faced with charges or convictions within the U.S., though this statistic doesn’t cover gang members, terrorists, or fugitives wanted for crimes abroad.
This year alone, ICE agents have made nearly 500,000 arrests of illegal aliens across the nation, the majority of whom had prior criminal charges or convictions. As for Lazo-Quintanilla, he remains in federal custody and is awaiting deportation, along with potential extradition back to El Salvador, where a long-standing felony warrant awaits him.
