Omaha, Nebraska isn’t the kind of place where you’d expect to find one of the world’s most dangerous gang leaders hiding out.
But this week, that’s exactly what happened. Federal immigration authorities swooped in and arrested an alleged MS-13 kingpin—one of El Salvador’s most wanted men—right in the heart of the American Midwest.
Secretive Fugitive Linked to Violent Crimes in El Salvador
Though authorities haven’t released his name yet due to an ongoing investigation, officials confirmed the man is on El Salvador’s “Top 100 Most Wanted” list.
He’s accused of some truly horrific crimes—five aggravated homicides, multiple attempted killings, kidnapping, and being heavily involved with a known terrorist organization.
Not Alone in Nebraska
He wasn’t hiding alone. Also arrested during the Wednesday raid was 30-year-old Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, another MS-13 member who had reportedly been living with the alleged kingpin.
Ochoa is wanted for allegedly directing other gang members to commit murder and move drugs through the region.
Feds Capture the Suspects on Camera
Two dramatic videos obtained by Fox News show how the arrests went down.
In one, heavily armed federal agents confront the suspected kingpin as he slowly exits his vehicle.
Calmly but firmly, they cuff him and take him into custody without any resistance.
In another video, Ochoa is seen wearing ankle shackles and being escorted into a detention facility by law enforcement officers.
Both men, according to ICE, were living in the U.S. illegally.
ICE Calls It a “Targeted Operation” Against Dangerous Threats
The arrests weren’t random. ICE said this was a calculated enforcement action to neutralize individuals who posed a “serious threat” to public safety in Omaha.
Mark Zito, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Kansas City, didn’t hold back when describing the danger they believe the men posed.
“These illegal aliens didn’t just sneak into our country,” Zito said.
“They brought with them a legacy of violence, terror, and death.
They thought they could hide in America’s heartland, but they were sadly mistaken—not on our watch.”
ICE Director Urges Public Not to Interfere During Arrests
Following the arrests, Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons addressed growing concerns about public interference during immigration enforcement actions.
He warned that misinformation is making federal operations riskier.
“When ICE agents move in to make an arrest, it’s extremely important that the public not interfere,” Lyons said.
“One wrong step could put someone face-to-face with a killer who has nothing to lose.”
He added, “Our ICE officers and agents are protecting your neighborhoods, even when you don’t know the threat is there.
So either support them or get out of the way.”
Tension Mounts Nationwide Over Immigration Arrests
Lyons’ comments appear to be a direct response to nationwide protests against ICE’s practices.
One of the most intense clashes happened in Los Angeles last month.
What began as protests quickly escalated into full-blown riots after ICE agents moved to make arrests in the city.
Chaos Erupts in Downtown Los Angeles
Starting June 7, downtown L.A. saw nearly a week of unrest.
Protesters flooded the streets, some torched cars, and a van even drove into a crowd.
Journalists were injured, and police responded with rubber bullets.
The chaos prompted President Donald Trump to take drastic action.
Trump Deploys National Guard and Marines to Quell Riots
By June 9, Trump had federalized the California National Guard and sent 2,000 troops to Los Angeles.
Two days later, another 2,000 troops arrived, this time joined by 700 U.S. Marines.
The show of force quickly quieted the rioting, although smaller protests have continued in the weeks since—including one that took place right outside Dodger Stadium.
What Comes Next?
With both MS-13 suspects now in custody, ICE and Homeland Security will continue their investigation.
The unnamed fugitive may be extradited to El Salvador, where he faces serious charges.
For now, officials are urging the public to stay alert, stay informed, and avoid stepping into dangerous federal operations.