3 MS-13 gang members captured in Florida; more arrests on the way, AG Pam Bondi says | FOX 35 Orlando
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3 MS-13 gang members captured in Florida; more arrests on the way, AG Pam Bondi says

By Ryan Burkett
Published  April 4, 2025 11:27am EDT
Florida
FOX 35 Orlando

3 alleged MS-13 gang members captured in Florida

A total of nine suspects with ties to MS-13 have now been arrested in connection with four murder cases in South Florida in 2014 and 2015. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says the latest three suspects were all living in the U.S. illegally. Bondi says more arrests of suspected gang members are coming as investigations continue.

The Brief

    • A total of nine suspects with ties to MS-13 have now been arrested in connection with four murder cases in South Florida in 2014 and 2015.
    • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says the latest three suspects were all living in the U.S. illegally.
    • Bondi says more arrests of suspected gang members are coming as investigations continue.

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - Three MS-13 gang members have been captured in Florida in connection with multiple violent cold-case murders, and more arrests are on the way, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday.

Operation Shadow of the Beast

The backstory:

At a news conference on Friday morning, federal prosecutors said a total of nine suspects with ties to MS-13 have been linked to four homicides in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Bondi said the cases date back to 2014 and 2015, including one in which a man was stabbed more than 100 times, then shot in the head.

A total of nine suspected members of MS-13 have now been arrested in connection with four murders in South Florida, according to federal prosecutors.

Five men arrested as part of Operation Shadow of the Beast have pleaded guilty while a sixth was convicted at trial.

The latest three suspects to be arrested were all living in the U.S. illegally, according to Bondi. They include:

  • Jose Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla, arrested in Lake County, Florida
  • Hugo Adiel Bermudez-Martinez, arrested in Minnesota
  • Wilber Rosendo Navarro-Escobar, arrested in North Lauderdale, Florida

3 MS-13 gang members linked to Florida murder: officials

Three MS-13 gang members have been arrested after a man was reportedly stabbed over 100 times in Florida, according to officials.

‘Highly organized terrorist organization’

What they're saying:

"They’re not just a street gang. They are a highly organized terrorist organization," Bondi said when describing MS-13.

"They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing guns, and especially violence to our country," Bondi continued.

Bondi also mentioned last week's arrest of Josue Villatoro Santos, 24, who's been described as a top leader of MS-13. Investigators said he was in possession of guns, silencers and additional items at the time of his arrest.

FBI announces MS-13 gang member arrests in Florida (Full news conference)

Attorney General Pam Bondi held a news conference with FBI Miami, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office to announce the arrest of three MS-13 gang members connected to the deadly stabbing of a Florida resident.

‘More arrests are coming’

Dig deeper:

Bondi issued a stern warning to other gang members in the U.S. during Friday's news conference, promising "more arrests are coming."

"If you are a gang member in this country, I would self-deport right now because we are coming after you," Bondi said.

What's next:

Gamez-Maravilla, Bermudez-Martinez and Navarro-Escobar each face life in prison if convicted of murder.

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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from a news conference held by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Broward County Sheriff's Office on April 4, 2025. This story was reported by FOX 13 Tampa.

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