Trump Administration Nabs Third ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive
The Trump administration has achieved a significant milestone in law enforcement with the capture of Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a prominent MS-13 gang leader. This arrest marks the third capture from the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list during President Trump’s tenure, underscoring the administration’s commitment to public safety and international cooperation.
The operation, a joint effort between the FBI, Department of Justice, and Mexican authorities, resulted in Roman-Bardales’s arrest on a highway in Veracruz, Mexico. He faces charges related to:
- Violent acts
- Drug distribution
- Extortion across the U.S. and El Salvador
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the teamwork that led to this successful operation. The arrest of Roman-Bardales, along with fugitives Arnoldo Jimenez and Donald Eugene Fields II, underscores the administration’s focused strategy to combat crime and uphold the rule of law.
Trump’s Resolute Approach to Crime
The Trump administration’s approach to crime is characterized by a resolute focus on apprehending fugitives and ensuring justice is served. By allocating additional resources and empowering agencies like the FBI, the administration has prioritized capturing those who pose significant threats to public safety.
This framework is built on core principles of:
- Empowerment
- Cooperation
- Tenacity
By ensuring law enforcement officers are equipped to act decisively, the Trump administration is actively strengthening the structure of justice and affirming its dedication to upholding the rule of law.
"When you let good cops be good cops, this is what happens. This administration is giving the new FBI and AG Bondi the resources to get the job done — and we won't stop," – FBI Director Kash Patel
The administration’s policy emphasizes strengthening cross-border collaboration with international partners, as seen in Roman-Bardales’s extradition from Mexico. Such partnerships are crucial in aiding the capture of high-profile criminals and demonstrate the effectiveness of Trump’s diplomatic strategies in law enforcement.
Impact of High-Profile Arrests
The arrests of Arnoldo Jimenez and Donald Eugene Fields II in January of this year further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to apprehending dangerous fugitives. Jimenez was wanted on first-degree murder charges, while Fields faced charges of child sex trafficking and rape.
These captures, along with Roman-Bardales’s apprehension, highlight the coordinated effort of law enforcement under President Trump’s leadership. The cumulative impact of these arrests resonates across the nation’s law enforcement landscape, offering assurance for citizens and serving as a deterrent against future crimes.
By strengthening partnerships with international and domestic agencies, the administration’s proactive stance seeks to both prosecute and prevent acts of violence, exploitation, and lawlessness. This approach aligns with the constitutional vision of a republic grounded in safety and justice for all its inhabitants.
As the administration continues its campaign against high-profile fugitives, it reaffirms its commitment to maintaining public order in accordance with the principles enshrined in America’s founding documents.
- Patel K. FBI Director Kash Patel announces capture of third “Most Wanted” fugitive. X (Twitter). March 19, 2025.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Press release on Roman-Bardales extradition. March 18, 2025.
- White House. Press release on administration’s commitment to public safety. March 19, 2025.