Written By Lisa Murimi
Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, a notorious Peruvian gang leader, has been arrested in New York state after illegally entering the U.S. via the Texas-Mexico border, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The 38-year-old, believed to be the leader of the Los Killers gang, was initially detained on May 16 upon his illegal entry into the U.S. and was served a notice to appear for immigration proceedings.
It wasn’t until nearly two months later that authorities were alerted to his status as a wanted fugitive in Peru, leading to his arrest during a targeted operation in the town of Endicott.
Torres-Navarro is now being held at a federal detention facility pending immigration proceedings.
Senior state immigration official Thomas Brophy highlighted the danger posed by Torres-Navarro, stating, “We won’t allow New York to be a safe haven for dangerous non-citizens.”
Torres-Navarro, known in Peru as “Gianfranco 23” due to the number of his alleged victims, is accused of murdering a retired police officer before fleeing his home country.
Peru has listed Torres-Navarro as one of its most wanted criminals, and his arrest marks a significant development in the efforts to bring him to justice.
