FBI Director Kash Patel has announced his first major operation since taking the helm of the bureau, leading to the arrest of dozens of gang members, including high-ranking figures within MS-13.

On Monday night, Patel took to X to share the news, stating, “Today, the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals, including MS-13 and other gang members, as part of our mission to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Thank you to all our partners bravely doing their jobs and executing the mission.”

This announcement came on the same day that the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed the arrest of a notorious MS-13 leader, David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman. Orellana-Aleman, 27, was apprehended on February 27 in Hyattsville, Maryland. A known illegal alien from El Salvador, he was previously charged in his home country with firearm possession, extortion, and supporting terrorism.

For years, Orellana-Aleman held a top leadership position within MS-13, orchestrating gang activities across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. His arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle violent transnational criminal organizations.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston emphasized the importance of the capture, stating, “The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization. This arrest speaks volumes about the cooperation between ICE and the FBI. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our communities.”

FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno echoed the sentiment, adding, “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States. His arrest demonstrates the success we can have when we collectively investigate and disrupt violent criminals seeking to exploit our communities.”

Orellana-Aleman had previously been arrested in El Salvador on December 1, 2016, facing charges for illegal firearm possession, extortion, and his affiliation with MS-13. However, he managed to illegally enter the U.S. at an unknown time and location without undergoing immigration processing.

His presence in the U.S. came to light on December 9, 2024, when he was caught driving without a license in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Following his arrest, he remains in ICE custody as authorities determine the next steps in his prosecution and potential deportation.

Beyond the high-profile arrests, Patel has been making headlines with his unconventional approach to strengthening the FBI’s workforce. According to reports, he recently proposed a collaboration between the FBI and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to enhance agents’ physical fitness.

Sources familiar with the proposal revealed that Patel’s initiative involves working with the UFC to develop specialized fitness programs for FBI agents, helping improve their conditioning and combat readiness. UFC CEO Dana White, a known supporter of former President Donald Trump, is reportedly a key figure in this proposed partnership, as reported by ABC News.

During his first teleconference with the leaders of the FBI’s 55 field offices on Wednesday, Patel introduced the idea of integrating UFC training techniques into the agency’s fitness regimen. His proposal quickly gained attention, with some FBI officials embracing the potential benefits.

“If they’re trying to up their physical fitness, the UFC is very specific in their fitness,” noted ABC News contributor Rich Frankel, a former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark, New Jersey, office.

This proposal marks a significant departure from traditional FBI fitness programs, but it aligns with Patel’s broader vision of modernizing and strengthening the bureau’s operations. Whether the UFC collaboration moves forward remains to be seen, but Patel’s first days as director have already signaled a bold and aggressive approach to law enforcement and agency reform.