Federal authorities announced that a man taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a Long Island high school earlier this month was an MS-13 fugitive wanted in El Salvador, as reported by The New York Post.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jaime Manuel Perez, was arrested on September 3 outside Brentwood High School, where he had just dropped off his son for the first day of school.
Man busted by ICE on first day of school on Long Island was ‘MS-13 fugitive’: feds
https://t.co/CKHKQJUqkvOfficials say, Jaime Manuel Perez was arrested by federal immigration agents outside of Brentwood High School after being wanted by authorities in El Salvador as an MS-1…
— 2025 Mets are trash 🗑️ – Not a troll Tiki (@NYMetsfan11279) September 12, 2025
The arrest initially sparked backlash from community activists and local leaders, but ICE later confirmed Perez was flagged by Interpol with a Red Notice and is wanted in his home country on charges of extortion and threats to injure a person.
“This alleged MS-13 associate resided mere feet from school property and went about his life virtually unchecked and consequence-free — until his past finally caught up with him,” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel said in a statement.
ICE officials confirmed Perez first entered the United States illegally in 2019 when he was apprehended at the Texas border. He was placed into removal proceedings and had a hearing scheduled for February 2026.
Authorities said Perez does not appear to have a criminal record inside the U.S. but remains in ICE custody pending removal.
The arrest has drawn conflicting reactions in Brentwood, a community where Hispanic residents make up roughly 70 percent of the population.
Critics of the operation argued that the setting — directly outside a school on the first day of classes — created unnecessary fear among students and parents.
“By targeting a parent at a school, ICE has not protected our community — they have terrorized it,” Assemblyman Phil Ramos said in a statement. “The first day of school should never be overshadowed by immigration raids.”
Neighbors also defended Perez, denying he had any gang connections. “Jaime was arrested after dropping off his youngest son at Brentwood High School on the first day of school,” said neighbor Kaylen Pentaleon.
“He has been an authorized worker in the U.S., and despite that, was taken away from his wife and two kids while on his way to work.”
Perez’s family declined to comment on the case. ICE officials said the investigation into his background is ongoing and confirmed that he will remain in federal custody until his removal proceedings are completed.
The arrest came just days after another MS-13-related sweep on Long Island, part of what federal officials described as ongoing operations to target violent international gang activity in the region.
Agree 100%.
Absolutely
Americans are tired of hearing about the ‘knee-jerk’ reactions of activists who will countenance any crime committed by illegals. “Terrorize”? That’s what the criminals do, no matter which country they are hiding in.
There should be no hearing of any kind. Illegal speaks for itself. Every last one must be deported
Amen. God Bless Charlie Kirk and his family!
“created unnecessary fear among students and parents”, Good, then self deport and you’ll save us real Americans the cost of getting rid of you.
This thug had a Red Flag Notice from INTERPOl.. That means he is considered extremely dangerous.. The ” Activists nd the local leaders had better come to understand they are part of a huge problem. Criminals allowed in by Biden / Obama are killing americans are involved in heinous sex crimes. Deport him and he gets a nice seat in CECOT.. Send the wife and kids there to.
Back in the real world….
Clinton fired 377,000 bureaucrats
Clinton deported 12,000,000
W Bush deported 10,000,000
Deporter-in-Chief Obama deported 5,300,000
With ZERO injunctions from Commie Fellow Traveler lords in robes..
Why is the “first day of school” more signifcant than any other day? My father and my maternal grandparents were all Legal immigrants. Anyone entering or staying in this country illegally is a criminal and should be deported regardless of their sainthood. Anyone who protests the arrest or deportation of an illegal is a criminal – aiding and abetting criminal activity – and they should also be arrested, processed, fined, and released with a criminal record to follow them for the rest of their lives. The lack of consequences is what allows the Left to be so successful. There is no crime or shame in being a law-abiding citizen. Law-abiding citizens do not protest the process of justice. If this guy is not an MS-13 member, if he is not a fugitive wanted by El Salvador on charges of extortion and threats to injure a person, if he is not the man flagged by Interpol for a Red Notice, then he will be exonerated and released. Honest citizens have nothing to fear which is why The Leftists fear monger all the time.
Well written!