An MS-13 member who was wanted for murder and terrorism in El Salvador has been on the run for several years, escaping to the United States and was finally arrested at his residence in New Jersey last week.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced that Johnathan Stanley Garcia-Vasquez, a Salvadoran citizen and wanted member of the MS-13 criminal organization, was apprehended on December 20 in New Jersey. He has been wanted by Salvadoran authorities for serious murder and terrorism charges for six years.
Garcia first intercepted when he illegally crossed into Hidalgo, Texas in June 2016, received a notice for expedited removal and was detained by ICE. However, on January 27 the following year, he was released on bond after posting bail. In August 2018, he was accused by El Salvador of serious murder and terrorist activities, and on October 30 of the same year, a U.S. immigration judge issued an in-absentia deportation order. Despite this, Garcia failed to surrender as required to execute the removal order, leading to ICE seizing his bail on December 6.
For the next four years, Garcia had been evading authorities until his arrest last week.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) emphasized that the United States is not a safe haven for international fugitives, and anyone attempting to use immigration laws to evade their country’s laws will not find refuge in the United States.
Currently, Garcia is in custody and will be deported according to the decision of a federal immigration judge, following standard judicial procedures.