An MS-13 gang leader from El Salvador, accused of exploiting the U.S. immigration system under President Biden, has been sent back to his home country, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released on Thursday.
Wilmer Alexy Garcia-Manzanarez was initially detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February 2024. The DHS noted, however, that the Biden administration allowed him to claim fear of returning to El Salvador, despite facing a murder warrant there.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the situation, stating, “The Biden administration permitted this MS-13 gang member and wanted murderer to assert fear of returning to El Salvador, even with a final removal order and three previous deportations. Naturally, a wanted murderer would avoid facing justice in his home country.”
She added, “Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, this criminal is no longer in our country. The era of harboring global criminals indefinitely has ended.”
The DHS confirmed on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that Garcia-Manzanarez was deported on November 3. (Department of Homeland Security)
According to Homeland Security, Garcia-Manzanarez committed various serious offenses while in the U.S., including burglary, intimidation with a weapon, driving under the influence, property damage, and operating a vehicle without a license.
He was sent back to El Salvador on Nov. 3.
In this handout photo provided by the Salvadoran government, guards escort inmates allegedly linked to criminal organizations at CECOT prison on March 16, 2025, in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The Trump administration deported 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organizations ‘Tren De Aragua’ and MS-13. (Salvadoran Government via Getty Images)
Garcia-Manzanarez was first arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol after illegally entering the U.S. through the Canadian border in March 2001and was then released into the country, officials said. He was then ordered by an immigration judge to be removed a year later.
“Between January 2007 and October 2012, ICE officers removed Garcia-Manzanarez from the United States to El Salvador three times. He chose to commit a felony and illegally re-enter the United States a fourth time,” DHS said.
Prisoners with MS-13 gang tattoos look out of their cell as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tours the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) on March 26, 2025, in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)
“Authorities in El Salvador issued a warrant for Garcia-Manzanarez’ arrest. In January 2020, Interpol issued a public Red Notice for the apprehension of Garcia-Manzanarez. Officers from ICE Boston arrested Garcia-Manzanarez in Foxboro, Massachusetts on February 18, 2024,” it added.
