U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a man the agency describes as a dangerous gang member and wanted fugitive from El Salvador — despite being portrayed by some media outlets as a “non-criminal” illegal immigrant.
According to ICE, Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla, a confirmed member of the 18th Street Gang, was taken into custody in October. While his only U.S. charge is driving without a license, he is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, extortion, drug possession, and several other serious felonies.
ICE officials noted that 70% of the illegal immigrants arrested by the agency have been charged or convicted of crimes in the United States, but that figure does not include foreign gang members, terrorists, human rights violators, or fugitives wanted abroad.
“This gang member on El Salvador’s most wanted list is a perfect example of ICE targeting the worst of the worst,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “He may lack a violent rap sheet in the U.S., but he is clearly a public safety threat. The claim that ICE is not arresting dangerous criminals is completely false.”
ICE emphasized that the agency continues to prioritize arrests of those who pose significant risks to public safety, countering what it called “misleading narratives” about its enforcement practices.
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