NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Elmer Canales-Rivera, a purported leader of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, has been indicted on a slew of terrorism charges, including conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism in the United States.
Nicknamed one of the “apostles of the devil,” Canales-Rivera, 47, faces trial in New York next week following his arrest by federal agents at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
The charges against him span a range of terrorism-related activities, from narco-terrorism to supporting terrorists, marking a significant escalation in legal action against MS-13 figures.
As a founding member of the ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil’ faction within MS-13, Canales-Rivera’s arrest sheds light on the gang’s dark connections to Satanism.
Known for its gruesome activities, MS-13 members often display devil-themed tattoos, clothing adorned with skulls and devil horns, adhering to their twisted motto: kill, rape, control.
With an estimated 80,000 members globally, MS-13 is considered one of the most dangerous criminal organizations, instilling fear through its ruthless tactics.
Canales-Rivera is accused of directing acts of murder and violence both in the United States and El Salvador.
Allegedly, he established military-style training camps where MS-13 members practiced using weapons such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers.
These camps targeted citizens in both the U.S. and El Salvador, indicating a disturbing level of organization and preparation within the gang.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized Canales-Rivera’s responsibility for MS-13’s decades-long efforts to terrorize communities, target law enforcement, and propagate violence.
His indictment underscores the broader challenge law enforcement faces in combatting organized crime with transnational reach, requiring coordinated efforts to dismantle such intricate networks.
Canales-Rivera’s legal journey includes previous terrorism charges, incarceration, and a controversial release by the Salvadoran government in November 2021 after the denial of the U.S.’s extradition request.
Illegally entering Guatemala, his actions contributed to heightened criticism in El Salvador and played a role in President Nayib Bukele’s subsequent nationwide crackdown on gangs, resulting in the imprisonment of tens of thousands of alleged gang members.
As Canales-Rivera faces trial, the case reflects the ongoing battle against criminal organizations that extend beyond borders, necessitating international cooperation to address the complex challenges posed by groups like MS-13.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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