US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of an MS-13 gang leader, Ismael Enrique Mendoza Flores, alias "El Calaco," wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and criminal conspiracy, and previously charged in the United States with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

ICE arrested the subject on the morning of October 2 in Alexandria, Virginia, due to an active arrest warrant for murder in El Salvador, according to a statement.

Mendoza Flores is listed in the Salvadoran National Police's Most Wanted Gang Member Program. He was previously arrested in Virginia on August 23, 2025, for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

“Our brave men and women of ICE arrested one of El Salvador's most wanted fugitives on the streets of Virginia. This MS-13 gang member was wanted for murder,” stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

“These are the types of criminal immigrants that Virginia's sanctuary politicians protect while demonizing law enforcement,” McLaughlin continued. “President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow gang members to terrorize American citizens.” Finally, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pledged to continue the Trump administration's immigration crackdown despite the government shutdown. “The department will not allow the Democrat-imposed government shutdown to prevent our law enforcement officers from fulfilling their critical mission of protecting our nation from the worst immigrant criminals,” the statement added.