Wilmer Alexy Garcia-Manzanarez, described by DHS as an MS-13 "terrorist gang leader," was deported to El Salvador on Nov. 3 after an ICE arrest in February 2024. DHS says he claimed fear of return to avoid deportation despite a final removal order and an outstanding Salvadoran murder warrant. Officials cited prior deportations between 2007 and 2012, an Interpol Red Notice in January 2020, and multiple alleged U.S. crimes. The department framed the removal as the result of sustained enforcement efforts.
ICE Deports Alleged MS-13 Leader Who Claimed Fear to Avoid Deportation
Wilmer Alexy Garcia-Manzanarez, described by DHS as an MS-13 "terrorist gang leader," was deported to El Salvador on Nov. 3 after an ICE arrest in February 2024. DHS says he claimed fear of return to avoid deportation despite a final removal order and an outstanding Salvadoran murder warrant. Officials cited prior deportations between 2007 and 2012, an Interpol Red Notice in January 2020, and multiple alleged U.S. crimes. The department framed the removal as the result of sustained enforcement efforts.
01:35 AM, 11/21/2025Security
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Wilmer Alexy Garcia-Manzanarez, described by DHS as an MS-13 "terrorist gang leader," was deported to El Salvador on Nov. 3 after being arrested by ICE in February 2024. DHS officials say he attempted to "game" the U.S. immigration system by asserting fear of return despite a final order of removal and an outstanding Salvadoran warrant for murder.
Case background
According to DHS, Garcia-Manzanarez was first detained by Border Patrol after entering the United States from Canada in March 2001 and was later ordered removed by an immigration judge. Between January 2007 and October 2012, ICE removed him to El Salvador three times, and DHS says he later committed a felony and illegally re-entered the U.S. again.
In January 2020, Interpol issued a public Red Notice seeking Garcia-Manzanarez. ICE Boston officers arrested him in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on Feb. 18, 2024. He was returned to El Salvador on Nov. 3.
Allegations and agency comments
DHS listed several alleged crimes committed in the United States, including burglary; menacing or intimidation with a weapon; driving under the influence of alcohol; property damage; and driving without a license.
"The Biden administration let this MS-13 gang member and wanted murderer claim fear of returning to El Salvador despite having a final order of removal and three prior deportations. Of course, a wanted murderer does not want to return to his country to face justice for his crimes," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
McLaughlin added: "Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, this criminal illegal alien is OUT of our country. The days of the world’s criminals indefinitely remaining in our country are over."
What officials say this means
DHS described the removal as the culmination of a long-running enforcement effort targeting a repeat immigration violator and an alleged violent gang member. The department emphasized that existing immigration and criminal-removal mechanisms can be used to address individuals who face outstanding foreign warrants and who are accused of serious crimes in the United States.