DOJ moves to drop charges against MS-13 leader Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos busted in Virginia

The arrest and subsequent dropping of charges against MS-13 leader Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos has raised eyebrows as the Justice Department seeks to fast-track his deportation. Santos, a top leader of the notorious gang, was apprehended on weapons charges during a raid at his mother’s Virginia home in March. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, ICE, ATF, and local police departments.

Following his arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi moved to dismiss the charges against Santos, paving the way for his deportation to El Salvador. Santos’ lawyer raised concerns about his client being unlawfully sent to a prison in El Salvador and requested a two-week delay in the government’s motion. The charges against Santos were dismissed without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of future charges.

During the raid at Santos’ mother’s home, FBI agents discovered a cache of weapons, including firearms, ammunition, and silencers. Santos was found hiding in an alcove leading to the garage and was apprehended using a stun grenade after refusing to comply with authorities’ commands. Bondi hailed Santos’ arrest as a significant victory in the fight against MS-13, describing him as one of the top leaders responsible for violent crimes on the East Coast.

Santos, believed to have been recruited into MS-13 as a middle school student, was charged with possession of a firearm by a person in the country illegally. His arrest was part of a larger operation targeting illegal migrant criminals, with nearly 350 suspects apprehended by the FBI task force in March. The crackdown on MS-13 comes amid efforts to combat the gang’s reign of terror, which has included high-profile killings, kidnappings, and drug-related crimes across the US.

The decision to drop charges against Santos and pursue his deportation underscores the government’s commitment to dismantling MS-13 and ensuring the safety of communities affected by the gang’s activities. With MS-13 designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, authorities are ramping up efforts to dismantle the gang’s operations and hold its leaders accountable for their crimes. Santos’ case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against violent gangs and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.