News Summary
Ever Manuel Bonilla-Moran, an alleged member of the MS-13 gang, was arrested in East Orlando after a standoff with law enforcement. His apprehension resulted from a coordinated operation involving ICE, the FBI, and local authorities. Bonilla-Moran, originally from El Salvador, is undocumented and has a past of illegal entries into the U.S. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat gang-related crime in the area and raised concerns among local residents.
Orlando – Ever Manuel Bonilla-Moran, an alleged associate of the MS-13 gang, was arrested on Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in East Orlando after a standoff. His arrest marks a significant action against a gang known for its violent international crime activities.
Bonilla-Moran is originally from El Salvador and was apprehended following a coordinated effort involving ICE, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Florida Highway Patrol. Prior to his arrest, Bonilla-Moran barricaded himself inside a residence on Blind Owl Drive. A video released by ICE captures the moment when Bonilla-Moran and two other men emerged from the home with their hands raised, while agents, some masked and in body armor, shouted commands in Spanish.
After exiting the home, Bonilla-Moran was handcuffed and escorted to a vehicle operated by the Florida Highway Patrol. The incident, occurring in a typically quiet neighborhood, raised concerns among residents who expressed shock at the early morning operation, noting the contrast of everyday suburban life with the serious nature of the arrest.
ICE claims that Bonilla-Moran is undocumented, although specific details regarding his ties to the MS-13 gang have not been disclosed. Records indicate that he first entered the United States illegally near Pharr, Texas, in April 2014. He was subsequently removed from the country in May of the same year only to re-enter the U.S. at an unknown date later on.
Bonilla-Moran is currently being detained at ICE’s Krome North Service Processing Center located in Miami. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has taken on the responsibility of prosecuting him. As the investigation is still underway, formal charges against Bonilla-Moran have not yet been announced.
The MS-13 gang, officially known as “Mara Salvatrucha,” originated from Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Over the years, it has developed into a prominent and violent crime syndicate with a global presence. The gang is notorious for its brutal tactics and has maintained a stronghold in regions of both the United States and Central America.
The issue of MS-13 has become a focal point in U.S. immigration and crime policies. In January 2025, an executive order was signed by President Trump that designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, making it illegal to provide any material support to the gang. This designation highlights the severity of the threat that MS-13 poses to public safety.
Recently, the actions of law enforcement against MS-13 members have gained public attention, particularly in light of a recent administrative error concerning another member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was wrongly sent to prison in El Salvador and subsequently ordered back to the United States by the Supreme Court, stirring discussions about immigration enforcement and judicial processes.
The arrest of Ever Manuel Bonilla-Moran serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that law enforcement faces in combating gang-related activity in the U.S. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to provide further updates regarding the case and any potential charges that may be brought against him in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel
- Wikipedia: MS-13
- WESH
- Google Search: MS-13 gang
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Scholar: MS-13 gang arrests
- Click Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gang violence
- Florida Daily
- Google News: MS-13 arrests
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
