LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The FBI has arrested a high-ranking MS-13 leader based in Las Vegas who is accused of orchestrating 11 murders, federal officials said.
Joel Vargas-Escobar faces charges, including racketeering, for several murders, federal officials said. In 2018, the federal government deported Vargas-Escobar to El Salvador, but he illegally re-entered the country.
Vargas-Escobar allegedly co-led MS-13's activities in Nevada and California, specifically in the Las Vegas valley, officials said, adding they believe he personally "ordered" two murders. MS-13 is a national and transnational gang with an estimated 10,000 members across 10 states and the District of Columbia.
"MS-13 operates through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics," federal officials said. "MS-13 is organized by subsets known as 'cliques,'”' and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.”
A federal indictment was first filed against Vargas-Escobar in 2021, records said. Federal agents arrested Vargas-Escobar on Tuesday in Long Island, New York, they said.
"The indictment charges members of the 'Parkview' clique of MS-13 with committing 11 murders over about a year in Nevada and California," officials said in a news release. "According to the indictment, many of the victims were allegedly kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where they were tortured and killed."
“The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a news release. “This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders — under President Trump’s leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars.”
“The FBI is fully dedicated to utilizing all available resources to partner with local, state, and federal agencies in disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that pose a threat to the communities we serve,” FBI Las Vegas Special Agent In Charge Spencer Evans said. “Every family has the right to reside in a community free from fear and gang violence. We encourage the public to provide information that can assist us in this critical mission. Do not suffer in silence; law enforcement is prepared to support victims and promote safer communities for everyone.”
Vargas-Escobar will be returned to Nevada to face a federal judge in the coming weeks.