MS-13 Gangbanger Nabbed in New Orleans, Faces Deportation

METAIRIE, LA – A known member of the brutal MS-13 gang is off the streets of the New Orleans area, thanks to a coordinated takedown by federal and local law enforcement. Edgar Vixney Hernandez-Velasquez, a citizen of Honduras, was administratively arrested in Metairie earlier this week and is now in ICE custody, awaiting deportation.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, acting on intelligence gathered by its Violent Crimes Task Force, identified Hernandez-Velasquez as a documented MS-13 gang member already subject to a final order of removal. The arrest wasn’t some random sweep; this was a targeted operation based on solid information about a dangerous individual, according to HSI acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. “Today’s arrest demonstrates HSI’s commitment to protecting our communities from violent gang members who threaten public safety,” Wright stated.

The operation involved a multi-agency effort, including Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, and local forces from the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force and the Gretna Police Department. This level of coordination highlights the growing need for collaboration in tackling transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, which operate with impunity across borders.

Hernandez-Velasquez’s impending removal is a clear signal from ERO that they are prioritizing the deportation of criminal aliens, particularly those tied to violent gangs. “ERO will continue to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens, especially those affiliated with violent gangs,” said ERO Deputy Field Office Director Brian Acuna. “This arrest is a testament to our dedication to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the public.”

While authorities remain tight-lipped about the specific crimes Hernandez-Velasquez may have been involved in locally, his MS-13 affiliation alone paints a grim picture. The gang is notorious for extreme violence, including murder, extortion, and human trafficking. His removal, while not a cure-all, is a step towards making the New Orleans area a little safer.

HSI New Orleans vows to continue its relentless pursuit of transnational criminal organizations, including MS-13, working alongside its law enforcement partners to disrupt their operations and protect the community. The agency is urging anyone with information about gang activity to come forward, promising to treat all tips with the utmost confidentiality. This case serves as a stark reminder that the fight against violent crime is far from over, and requires constant vigilance and unwavering dedication.