Salvadoran MS‑13 leader arrested in Chiapas, Mexico

MS-13 leader Orlando N Chiapan border arrest Interpol red notice gang prosecution

On 6 June 2026 Mexican federal and state security forces captured Orlando “N”, also known as “El Misterio”, a Salvadoran national alleged to be a leader of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) gang. The operation took place in the border municipalities of Metapa de Domínguez and Tapachula, Chiapas, near Guatemala. Agencies involved included the Fuerza de Reacción Inmediata Pakal, the state border and preventive guards, the Secretaría de Seguridad del Pueblo, the Fiscalía General de la República’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal, and the Secretaría de Marina.

The detainee was subject to an Interpol red notice and faced multiple outstanding warrants in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, rape of a minor, illicit gang activity, illegal restriction of movement, illegal possession of war‑type weapons and attempted extortion. After his arrest he was placed in the custody of the Instituto Nacional de Migración, which will determine his legal status and possible deportation.

Authorities reported that the suspect attempted to flee when police arrived but was apprehended without incident.