Trump Administration Moves to Drop Charges Against MS-13 Leader, Sparking Accusations of Political Favoritism

The Trump administration is seeking to dismiss criminal charges against Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez, a high-ranking MS-13 leader, in order to deport him to El Salvador, according to recently unsealed court documents. Critics and the defendant’s legal team allege this move is intended to benefit Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who previously negotiated a secret deal with the gang in 2019. Arevalo-Chavez reportedly possesses detailed knowledge of this pact, which involved Bukele’s government granting money and territory to MS-13 in exchange for reduced violence and political support.
The US justice department cited “sensitive and important foreign policy considerations” as the reason for dropping the charges, noting that prosecuting Arevalo-Chavez in El Salvador would better serve US geopolitical interests. However, critics argue that this is an attempt to prevent Arevalo-Chavez from testifying in the US, thereby concealing Bukele’s past ties to the gang.
Arevalo-Chavez remains in US custody as his attorneys seek more details about the dismissal and deportation plans. The judge has ruled against moving him to ICE custody, which would have facilitated his deportation. This follows a similar case earlier this year, when charges against another MS-13 leader were dropped and he was expelled to El Salvador.
Observers, including academics, have labeled the situation as collusion between the US and El Salvador to cover up the gang pact. The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Bukele’s crackdown on gangs and allegations of human rights abuses in El Salvador.