4 sources·Politics

Justice Department Moves to Drop MS-13 Leader's Charges, Attorney Raises Due Process Concerns

The Justice Department seeks to dismiss charges against Henrry Villatoro Santos, accused of being an MS-13 leader, prompting fears of immediate deportation.

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  1. DOJ asks to dismiss Virginia case against Salvadoran accused MS-13 leader set to be deported

    The danger of Mr. Villatoro Santos being unlawfully deported by ICE without due process and removed to El Salvador, where he would almost certainly be immediately detained at one of the worst prisons in the world without any right to contest his removal, is substantial, both in light of the Government's recent actions and the very public pronouncements in this case.

    DOJ asks to dismiss Virginia case against Salvadoran accused MS-13 leader set to be deported

    FOX NewsFOX News·9d
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  3. DOJ seeks to drop charges against man it said was "East Coast leader" of MS-13 gang

    Any decision to deport Villatoro-Santos without first securing a criminal conviction on the crimes alleged by Bondi would break historical precedent, according to two former Justice Department officials who spoke with CBS News.

    DOJ seeks to drop charges against man it said was "East Coast leader" of MS-13 gang

    CBS NewsCBS News·9d
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    Center
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  1. FOX News
  2. CNN
  3. CBS News
Updated: Apr 10th, 2025, 2:38 AM ET

Summary

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The Justice Department has sought to drop gun possession charges against Henrry Villatoro Santos, alleged leader of MS-13 on the East Coast, raising concerns about potential deportation to El Salvador without due process. Attorney General Pam Bondi previously called Santos a top gang leader, but the recent decision marks a significant reversal, with Santos' defense arguing this could lead to unlawful deportation. His lawyer expressed fears for Santos' safety in El Salvador’s prisons and highlighted the unusual nature of the case. The court will decide on the dismissal motion soon.

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