ICE Nabs Most-Wanted Salvadoran Terrorist Hiding in Maryland

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A convicted killer on El Salvador's list of most-wanted gang members has been arrested while living illegally in the United States, according to the federal government.

Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla was arrested last month in Maryland for driving without a license, a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said. Lazo-Quintanilla is a confirmed member of the 18th Street Gang, which is classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

While technically driving without a license is only a crime in the United States, Lazo-Quintanilla is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, extortion, possession of drugs, and a litany of other felonies. The press release included his mugshot photo, which shows the "666" tattooed across his forehead.

"This gang member on El Salvador's most wanted list is a perfect example of ICE targeting the worst of the worst. He may lack a violent rap sheet in the U.S., but this criminal illegal alien is clearly a public safety threat. The media's false claims that ICE does not arrest the worst of the worst simply has no grounding. In reality, ICE is arresting criminal illegal aliens BEFORE they can victimize Americans," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

It was not immediately clear when the gang member came to the United States, but he has been living here unlawfully for some time, officials said. The 18th Street Gang, also known as Barrio 18, is one of Central America's largest and most violent criminal networks, the New York Post reported. 

"70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the United States," McLaughlin said. This statistic does not count gang members, terrorists, human rights abusers, and foreign fugitives who lack a rap sheet in the U.S., according to the press release.

ICE agents have arrested nearly "500,000 illegal aliens nationwide" so far this year, with most facing criminal charges or prior convictions, McLaughlin said. Lazo-Quintanilla remains in federal custody pending deportation and possible extradition to El Salvador, where he faces long-standing felony warrants, according to DHS.