U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrest of a Honduran national identified as a documented MS-13 gang member who had a final order of removal from the United States, according to federal officials.
Edgar Vixney Hernandez-Velasquez was taken into custody in Metairie by agents with Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans working alongside Enforcement and Removal Operations and several local and federal law enforcement partners.
Authorities said Hernandez-Velasquez is an illegal immigrant from Honduras who had already been ordered removed from the United States. Following his arrest, he was placed into ICE custody and will remain detained pending removal proceedings.
According to federal officials, investigators with the Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force developed intelligence indicating Hernandez-Velasquez was a known member of the MS-13 criminal gang and was subject to a final order of removal. Agents then located and apprehended him.
The arrest was carried out through a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force and the Gretna Police Department.
Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said the operation reflects ongoing collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
“Today’s arrest demonstrates HSI’s commitment to protecting our communities from violent gang members who threaten public safety,” Wright said. “Our partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are critical in identifying and removing dangerous individuals like Hernandez-Velasquez from our streets.”
Enforcement and Removal Operations Deputy Field Office Director Brian Acuna said federal immigration authorities continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of individuals with criminal histories or gang affiliations.
“ERO will continue to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens, especially those affiliated with violent gangs,” Acuna said. “This arrest is a testament to our dedication to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the public.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Hernandez-Velasquez will remain in custody while federal officials proceed with the process to remove him from the United States.
The arrest was part of an ongoing enforcement effort targeting individuals with final orders of removal and those identified by law enforcement as affiliated with transnational criminal organizations.
