Mexico nabs, swiftly deports MS-13 gang leader to El Salvador

Police officers escort Jose Wilfredo Ayala, 55, known as "el Indio de Hollywood", a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang leader currently wanted for multiple crimes in the United States, in Mexico City, Mexico April 18, 2023. Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana de la Ciudad de Mexico (SSC CDMX)/Handout via REUTERS

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - Police in Mexico City arrested one of the most wanted leaders of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang accused of multiple crimes in the United States, officials said on Tuesday, in a fresh blow to one of Central America's most violent criminal groups.

Jose Wilfredo Ayala, 55, was arrested after a tip from a neighbor, according to the Mexican capital's security ministry. The ministry said it had discovered Ayala - believed to be second-in-command of the gang commonly known as MS-13 - was using a false identity and hiding in Mexico City and in two areas a short drive north in Hidalgo state.