US Drops Charges Against MS-13 Leader, Sparking Allegations of Cover-Up with El Salvador

The U.S. Justice Department has filed to dismiss charges against Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez, a prominent MS-13 leader, citing “sensitive and important foreign policy considerations.” Critics contend that this decision is part of a political deal with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, aiming to deport Arevalo-Chavez to prevent him from revealing details of a secret 2019 pact between MS-13 and Bukele’s government.
The alleged pact involved MS-13 receiving financial and territorial concessions in exchange for electoral support. The dismissal of charges raises questions about the U.S. administration’s commitment to prosecuting serious criminal activity and the potential political motivations behind foreign policy decisions.