In a controversial move, the Trump administration is seeking to dismiss criminal charges against Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez, a high-ranking MS-13 leader, to facilitate his deportation to El Salvador. According to recently unsealed court documents, federal prosecutors cited “sensitive and important foreign policy considerations” as justification for dropping racketeering, terrorism, and narco-terrorism charges pending in New York.
Critics and Arevalo-Chavez’s legal team suggest this is part of a quid pro quo arrangement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who reportedly requested the return of nine top MS-13 leaders from the United States. The move coincides with a deal allowing the US to incarcerate immigrants in El Salvador’s maximum security Cecot prison.
What makes this case particularly sensitive is Arevalo-Chavez’s alleged knowledge of a 2019 pact between Bukele’s government and MS-13. Justice Department records indicate this agreement involved financial and territorial concessions to the gang in exchange for reduced violence and political support for Bukele’s party in 2021 elections.
A judge has temporarily prevented Arevalo-Chavez’s transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, which would lead to his deportation. His attorneys argue the administration’s actions are designed to prevent him from potentially testifying about Bukele’s past ties to MS-13.