MS-13 gang member arrested near Falfurrias (The Monitor)

MS-13 gang member arrested near Falfurrias

September 28, 2010 6:32 PM
Dave Hendricks
The Monitor

FALFURRIAS — U.S. Border Patrol agents detained a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang on Monday as he traveled with four illegal immigrants south of Falfurrias.

Agents noticed the man’s distinctive tattoos, and he admitted belonging to the gang, commonly called MS-13. The man told agents he was from El Salvador, and was not a U.S. citizen.

MS-13 has a reputation for extreme violence, and has spread throughout the country. Gang leaders reportedly operate from El Salvador and Los Angeles, officials said.

Three men and one woman travelling with him said they were Mexican citizens. All five will be returned to their countries of origin.