DALLAS — A 36-year-old El Salvadoran woman accused of helping plan an assassination attempt in her home country has been arrested by ICE agents in Dallas, authorities announced this week.
The woman, identified as Maria Julia Varela, has alleged ties to the notorious MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs. She was apprehended during a multi-agency operation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Texas.
Gang Ties and International Charges
Officials said Varela is wanted by El Salvadoran authorities for her role in organizing a murder attempt. Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Dallas, emphasized that “criminal fugitives cannot expect to hide within our borders”, as quoted in the official ICE statement.
HSI described her as a dangerous individual whose gang affiliations pose a public safety threat, both abroad and in the U.S.
Coordinated Arrest by Federal Task Force
The arrest was carried out by the HSI Violent Gangs Task Force with support from the FBI Dallas, IRS Criminal Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This operation is part of a larger federal crackdown on gang activity and violent fugitives hiding in American cities. The Fox 4 News report confirmed the arrest took place without incident, though no further details about the timeline were released.
Border Entry and Pending Deportation
Records indicate Varela entered the U.S. in 2016 with a family group. She was issued a notice to appear before immigration authorities but is now facing deportation proceedings after being detained in Dallas.
ICE has not disclosed whether she previously complied with immigration court orders or how long she remained under the radar before her capture.
Public Urged to Report Fugitive Activity
Federal officials are encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge of fugitives via the agency’s tip hotline or online portal. HSI emphasized that public assistance is a critical tool in locating individuals who pose national security threats.
How do you feel about ICE’s crackdown on international fugitives? Share your views and community concerns in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — where we amplify local voices in national stories.
