On June 20th, the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in New York City captured Melvin Orlando Hernandez Villanueva, who is an illegal immigrant and wanted by Salvadoran authorities for two counts of aggravated homicide and for being associated with criminal groups. Hernandez is a member of the notorious MS-13 gang and is currently under an Interpol Red Notice for his crimes.
The Long Island office’s ERO Fugitive Operations officers, accompanied by the FBI’s Gang Task Force, have apprehended a 27-year-old Salvadoran national near his Queens residence. The arrest was conducted smoothly, and the officers found a loaded handgun, a box of ammunition, and a small quantity of marijuana. Hernandez has been moved to Central Islip for processing and will remain in custody until removal proceedings are completed.
According to ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo, this MS-13 gang member, who was also a violent criminal, believed he could evade murder charges in El Salvador by entering the United States and hiding in New York City. However, law enforcement officials were able to locate and apprehend him. Director Genalo expressed his gratitude for the excellent teamwork between his officers and law enforcement partners, and emphasized that international fugitives would be caught and repatriated to their home countries to face justice. He also stressed the importance of removing dangerous individuals like this from the community.
On March 28, 2019, Hernandez was issued an arrest warrant by Salvadoran authorities for two counts of aggravated homicide and unlawful association. He entered the United States illegally without going through designated ports of entry, and the date and location of his entry are unknown.
Interpol issued a Red Notice for Hernandez on October 2, 2023. The FBI then shared this information with the officers of ERO New York City’s Long Island on October 12, 2023.
According to the FBI New York Field Office acting Assistant Director in Charge, Christie M. Curtis, “Murder cannot be brushed under the carpet, even if one tries to escape and hide in another country.” Curtis further added that Melvin Orlando Hernandez Villanueva, member of the notorious MS-13 gang, had been living illegally in New York City to evade authorities in El Salvador and avoid charges for his alleged involvement in a murder case. The arrest of Hernandez Villanueva is a testament to the FBI’s unwavering dedication towards apprehending fugitives and removing hazardous criminals from our communities.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is a separate agency within the U.S. Department of Justice from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), administers immigration courts where noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive legal due process from federal immigration judges. Each case is evaluated on its own merits, and the immigration judges make their decisions based on the facts presented. Once a decision is made, ICE officers carry out the removal process.
The responsibility of domestic immigration enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of ERO, the primary federal law enforcement authority. Their primary focus is on removing individuals who pose a threat to the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. With a workforce of over 7,700 personnel, ERO operates across 25 domestic field offices, 208 nationwide locations, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.
To ensure public safety, individuals can report any criminal activity or suspicious behavior by calling 866-347-2423 or filling out the online tip form.
