Justice Department Drops MS-13 Leader Case to Expedite Deportation

The DOJ's decision to dismiss charges against Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos highlights a shift in enforcement strategy prioritizing removal over prosecution.

Federal prosecutors dropped a gun possession charge against Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a Salvadoran national identified as a top MS-13 leader in the U.S.
The Justice Department's filing provided no explanation for the reversal, which comes two weeks after Santos' high-profile arrest in Northern Virginia.
Authorities aim to fast-track Santos' deportation, with Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling him a 'terrorist' and emphasizing his removal from the country.
The case reflects a broader trend under the Trump administration of prioritizing deportation over criminal trials for alleged gang members.
Santos' case mirrors a recent dismissal involving another alleged MS-13 leader, raising questions about the balance between prosecution and immigration enforcement.