MS-13 Leader Francisco Roman-Bardales Captured in Mexico After Months-Long Joint Operation

Authorities in Mexico have apprehended Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a 47-year-old suspect and alleged leader of the MS-13 criminal organization, who was also on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. His arrest was made along the Teocelo-Baxtla highway, with a joint statement released by Mexico’s Defense Ministry, Navy, Attorney General’s Office, National Guard, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection. Following his arrest, Roman-Bardales was informed of his legal rights and the charges against him. He is expected to be deported to the United States after appearing before Mexican authorities.

Roman-Bardales Captured After Extensive Surveillance Operations Targeting Violent MS-13 Criminal Activities

Roman-Bardales’ capture followed months of investigation and cooperation between national agencies focused on dismantling violent criminal networks. Authorities discovered that he was operating in the Baxtla region of southeastern Veracruz. Surveillance teams were then deployed to monitor the area, leading to his eventual arrest on the highway. The operation was part of broader efforts by Mexican law enforcement to target individuals involved in organized crime and reduce violence linked to criminal organizations such as MS-13.

Roman-Bardales is facing multiple charges in the United States, stemming from an indictment on September 22, 2022, which named him and 12 other individuals as high-ranking members of MS-13. The charges against him include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy. As a long-time leader within the MS-13 gang, Roman-Bardales is accused of orchestrating and directing activities that involved drug trafficking, violence, and other illicit operations in both the U.S. and abroad.

Mexico Strengthens Crackdown on Organized Crime Amid U.S. Pressure and Cross-Border Cooperation Efforts

The arrest of Roman-Bardales highlights Mexico’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, particularly in relation to drug cartels and transnational gangs. Mexico has been under pressure from the U.S. to increase its law enforcement activities in an effort to curb narcotics smuggling and undocumented migration. The Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods in 2019, partially due to concerns over narcotics trafficking, has further motivated Mexican authorities to take decisive actions against criminal groups operating in the region.

Roman-Bardales’ arrest comes at a time when Mexico has been intensifying its efforts to tackle criminal organizations. Just a month prior to his capture, Mexico transferred 29 alleged drug cartel members to the United States, underscoring the continued collaboration between both countries in addressing cross-border criminal activities. This joint effort reflects the ongoing commitment of Mexico and the U.S. to dismantle powerful criminal networks, including the MS-13 gang, which has caused widespread violence and instability in both nations.