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ICE Arrests Two Top MS-13 Operatives in Omaha

The operation leveraged new counterterrorism powers from MS-13’s foreign terrorist organization designation to detain two high-level gang figures hiding illegally in Nebraska.

Federal agents apprehended an MS-13 Kingpin on El Salvador's "Top 100 Most Wanted" list in Nebraska on Wednesday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) apprehended the man who is wanted for "aggravated homicide of five victims, attempted aggravated homicide, deprivation of liberty and terrorist organization affiliation," in Omaha on July 9, 2025.
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Overview

  • Homeland Security Investigations agents, with ATF support, arrested an unnamed Salvadoran national on July 9 who was listed among El Salvador’s Top 100 Most Wanted for multiple homicides and terrorist affiliation.
  • Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa was taken into custody on charges of ordering homicides, extortion, imprisonment and drug trafficking for MS-13.
  • Both suspects were living in the United States illegally and were arrested without incident during a targeted enforcement action.
  • January’s designation of MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization provided enhanced legal tools that enabled rapid extradition, prosecution and removal efforts.
  • The operation was carried out through coordinated efforts by ICE HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and international law enforcement partners.