ICE Arrests MS-13 Gang Member in Virginia
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Virginia have detained a member of the MS-13 gang who is said to be involved in multiple murders in El Salvador.
Sources within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared with Fox News that the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Edwin Antonio Hernandez, allegedly admits to having a role in five murders and is known by the nicknames “Demente” and “Crazy.”
In February 2025, the Trump administration declared MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, similar to other groups posing threats. According to statements from the U.S. Department of State, MS-13 began in Los Angeles but has expanded its operations into Central America, mostly due to deportations from the U.S. The organization is known for violent behavior across several countries, including El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico, and has targeted Salvadoran officials through various violent means, including assassinations.
Reportedly, one of Hernandez’s claims detailed a horrific murder where an 18th Street gang member was tortured, stabbed, and dismembered while still alive.
According to Fox, Hernandez entered the United States illegally in 2015 through Hidalgo, Texas. After being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol, he was released pending immigration court proceedings. Later, he was apprehended by ICE in Virginia for being without a valid visa and for his unlawful entry into the country.
“DHS officials informed Fox News Digital that his arrest came after USCIS referred him to ICE,” the report indicates.
Notably, on her first day in office, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) revoked a rule that required local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE, as pointed out by Breitbart News. Previously, under the Trump administration, several top MS-13 gang members were caught in the state. Furthermore, in May, an MS-13 member was mistakenly accused of stabbing a corrections officer in Virginia.
Breitbart News noted that ICE continues to apprehend illegal aliens involved in serious crimes, including child molestation, rape, and drug trafficking in Virginia.
