Notorious MS-13 Gangster 'The Witch' Arrested by ICE After Release in California

Authorities say David Antonio Aviles Perez, wanted for murder in El Salvador, was freed under California's sanctuary law after a 2023 assault with a machete.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:57pm

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in San Diego have arrested David Antonio Aviles Perez, a 35-year-old MS-13 gang member known as 'the witch' who is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated murder. Aviles Perez was previously arrested in Monterey, California, in 2023 on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly swinging a machete at a man, but was released under the state's sanctuary law policies. The case has intensified criticism from federal officials of California's sanctuary law under Governor Gavin Newsom.

Why it matters

The arrest of Aviles Perez, a notorious MS-13 gang member wanted for murder in El Salvador, has reignited the debate over California's sanctuary law policies. Critics argue that the law puts public safety at risk by limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, while supporters say it helps build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

The details

Aviles Perez, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in El Salvador for a 2014 gang killing, was first arrested in Monterey, California, in 2023 on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly swinging a machete at a homeless man. Despite the charges, he was released back onto the streets under California's sanctuary law. ICE agents in San Diego have now arrested Aviles Perez, who is being held pending removal to El Salvador.

  • Aviles Perez was first arrested in Monterey, California, in 2023.
  • Aviles Perez was recently arrested by ICE agents in San Diego.

The players

David Antonio Aviles Perez

A 35-year-old MS-13 gang member known as 'the witch' who is wanted in El Salvador for aggravated murder.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, whose state's sanctuary law policies have been criticized for allowing the release of Aviles Perez.

Lauren Bis

The Acting Assistant Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, who criticized California's sanctuary law for allowing the release of Aviles Perez.

Markwayne Mullin

The newly sworn-in DHS Secretary under President Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“ICE arrested this dangerous criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for murder. Gavin Newsom's sanctuary policies allowed this gang member to be released from jail after his arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and petty theft.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary

“Releasing this gang member back into California neighborhoods put American lives at risk. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Mullin, this murderer is off our streets and will soon be out of our country.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary

What’s next

The judge in El Salvador will decide whether to extradite Aviles Perez to face his 20-year murder sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and the balance between public safety and protecting immigrant communities. It also underscores the challenges faced by federal immigration authorities in apprehending dangerous criminals who are released under state laws.