In Maryland, law enforcement officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI have successfully apprehended a prominent leader of the MS-13 gang through a collaborative operation.
David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, a 27-year-old Salvadoran immigrant living in the United States illegally, was arrested in Hyattsville on February 27th. Orellana is accused of multiple charges in El Salvador, including possession of a firearm, extortion, and affiliation with a terrorist group. Additionally, he has been identified as a confirmed member of MS-13.
“The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston.
According to reports, Orellana holds a significant position in MS-13, where he is believed to have authority over various cliques operating in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
“Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest,” stated FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States.”
Orellana entered the United States illegally, but the date and location of his entry are unknown. He had a prior arrest in El Salvador in 2016 for the mentioned charges. In December 2024, the Prince George’s County Police Department arrested him for driving without a license.
Orellana remains in ICE detention following his arrest. This operation shows law enforcement agencies’ continued efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in transnational criminal organizations and gang activities, particularly those who endanger public safety.