Another “Most Wanted” Criminal Captured by the Trump Administration
TLDR
This press release announces the capture of MS-13 gang leader Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, the third FBI “Ten Most Wanted” fugitive apprehended since President Trump took office in January 2025. The White House press release emphasizes the administration’s commitment to bringing criminals to justice.
This is a highly unusual official press release from the White house.
Notably, it comes directly from the White House rather than the FBI, which would typically handle announcements about fugitive captures.
It prominently features President Trump and his administration rather than focusing on the law enforcement agencies that would have conducted the operation.
The political framing (“The Trump Administration will stop at nothing…”) is atypical for what should be a straightforward law enforcement announcement.
The press release links to social media accounts (X.com) rather than official government statements.
Under President Donald J. Trump, the message to criminals who bring harm and destruction to our communities is simple: you will be found, and you will face justice.
Yesterday, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel announced the capture of another fugitive from its “Ten Most Wanted” list — initiating the extradition of a key senior leader of the brutal MS-13 gang, Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, from Mexico to face charges in the United States. Roman-Bardales was wanted “for his alleged role in ordering numerous acts of violence against civilians and rival gang members, as well as his role in drug distribution and extortion schemes in the United States and El Salvador.”
The cold-blooded criminal is the third fugitive on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list apprehended since President Trump took office.
- Arnoldo Jimenez — a fugitive wanted on first-degree murder charges — was arrested on January 30, 2025.
- Donald Eugene Fields II — a fugitive wanted on child sex trafficking and child rape charges — was arrested on January 25, 2025.
The Trump Administration will stop at nothing to keep the American people safe.