An accused MS-13 gang member, wanted internationally, was living just steps from a Long Island middle school.
Story Snapshot
- ICE arrested Jaime Manuel Perez Perez, a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 associate, near a Brentwood, NY school on September 3, 2025.
- Perez Perez was wanted in El Salvador for aggravated extortion and threats, subject to an Interpol Red Notice.
- He previously entered the U.S. illegally in 2019 and lived undetected near schoolchildren for years.
- The arrest highlights persistent dangers posed by transnational gangs and failures of past border and immigration policies.
Federal Fugitive Arrest Near School Sparks Safety Concerns
On the first day of school in Brentwood, New York, federal agents apprehended Jaime Manuel Perez Perez, a 42-year-old Salvadoran national linked to the notorious MS-13 gang. Authorities discovered Perez Perez living in close proximity to a middle school, which drew immediate alarm from local families and law enforcement. His presence so near students underscored the real-world risks that unchecked illegal immigration and insufficient background checks can bring to American communities.
Perez Perez had been wanted in El Salvador for aggravated extortion and threats of violence, prompting an Interpol Red Notice for his arrest. He initially crossed into the United States illegally in 2019, was apprehended by Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas, and entered removal proceedings. Despite this, Perez Perez managed to establish himself in Brentwood, a community that has struggled with MS-13 activity for years. The fact that he evaded removal for so long highlights longstanding gaps in the nation’s enforcement system.
Man busted by ICE on first day of school on Long Island was ‘MS-13 fugitive’: feds https://t.co/tNTYGfZ5Ae pic.twitter.com/jmywD0kuMp
— New York Post (@nypost) September 11, 2025
MS-13’s History and the Long Island Connection
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, originated in Los Angeles during the 1980s and quickly became infamous for violent crimes including extortion, murder, and drug trafficking. The gang now holds a significant presence in Central America and the U.S., particularly on Long Island. Brentwood has endured repeated incidents of MS-13 violence and recruitment—especially around schools—leading to heightened anxiety for parents and local officials. Federal and local agencies have made targeting gang members in this area a priority, but the persistence of such threats continues to worry families and undermine confidence in public safety measures.
Perez Perez’s case is not isolated. Over the past decade, federal operations have uncovered multiple MS-13 associates residing in Long Island communities, often near schools. These incidents reinforce concerns that dangerous individuals can slip through bureaucratic cracks, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of schoolchildren and families. The latest arrest involved coordinated action between ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and international partners, signaling renewed efforts to remove high-risk fugitives from American neighborhoods.
Law Enforcement Response and Policy Implications
Following the arrest, ICE officials emphasized their commitment to protecting communities from transnational gang threats. Perez Perez remains in ICE custody as he awaits a scheduled immigration hearing in February 2026, with deportation to El Salvador expected if removal is approved. Law enforcement leaders credited interagency cooperation and public vigilance for the successful operation, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity.
The presence of an alleged MS-13 fugitive near a school not only threatens public safety but also raises questions about government accountability. The Trump administration’s renewed commitment to law and order, bolstered by cross-agency collaboration, aims to restore confidence in the nation’s ability to deter and remove dangerous criminals. Yet, the episode serves as a reminder that vigilance is essential to protect conservative values, family safety, and the integrity of America’s borders.
Sources:
ICE arrests suspected MS-13 gang member who was living ‘just steps’ away from middle school
ICE New York arrests alleged MS-13 gang associate wanted by Interpol living near school
Alleged MS-13 gang member wanted by Interpol found living near New York middle school: Feds
Investigators arrest alleged MS-13 associate in Brentwood
