FBI Captures Third Most Wanted Fugitive Under Trump Administration

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, marking the third capture of a ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitive’ since President Donald Trump took office.

In a significant victory for law enforcement, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the apprehension of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a senior leader of the notorious MS-13 gang. The arrest, which occurred in Mexico, was followed by immediate plans for extradition to the United States. Patel credited the success to the Trump administration’s policies that empower law enforcement to operate effectively.

Patel emphasized that the capture was part of a broader strategy to combat crime, highlighting the administration’s commitment to law and order. “When you let good cops be good cops, this is what happens,” Patel stated on social media, praising the efforts of the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The arrest of Roman-Bardales comes on the heels of other significant law enforcement actions, including the extradition of over 29 drug cartel members from Mexico to the U.S. This latest capture underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks both domestically and internationally.

Prior to his arrest, the FBI had offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to Roman-Bardales, who was involved in directing MS-13 activities across the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador. This operation not only signifies a major blow to MS-13 but also demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican authorities.

The Trump administration’s focus on law enforcement has also been evident in earlier arrests, such as that of Donald Eugene Fields II in Florida, wanted on federal child sex trafficking and state child rape charges. These successes, according to Patel, are a direct result of policies that support and resource law enforcement agencies adequately.