Full Breakdown
Capture of MS-13 Assassin Highlights Sanctuary Law Controversy
4/2/2026, 7:54:55 AM
Arrest of David Antonio Aviles Perez
David Antonio Aviles Perez, a 35-year-old MS-13 executioner known as “the witch,” was apprehended by federal immigration agents in San Diego after being sought on an international warrant for aggravated murder in El Salvador. Aviles Perez had been living in the United States illegally and was previously arrested in 2023 for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly attacking a man with a machete in Monterey, California. Despite these charges, he was released under California's sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Background of the Crime
Aviles Perez was convicted in December 2022 in El Salvador for a 2014 murder, where he and an accomplice executed an adversary of MS-13 in the town of Yucuaiquín. The Salvadoran attorney general's report details how Aviles Perez and his accomplice shot the victim multiple times after forcing him to kneel. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison in El Salvador.
Sanctuary Law Implications
The case has reignited discussions about California's sanctuary policies, which were enacted in 2017. These laws prohibit state and local law enforcement from using resources for federal immigration enforcement and restrict police from inquiring about immigration status or detaining individuals solely for ICE. Critics, including DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis, argue that such policies endanger public safety by allowing individuals like Aviles Perez to remain free despite serious criminal charges. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has also criticized sanctuary laws, asserting they impede law enforcement efforts and pose risks to American citizens.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS officials have expressed concern over the implications of California's sanctuary laws, emphasizing that Aviles Perez's release "put American lives at risk." Bis stated, “His release back into California neighborhoods put American lives at risk.” The Justice Department has taken action against sanctuary policies, filing a lawsuit against Los Angeles for its local regulations.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents of the sanctuary laws argue that they create a dangerous environment by preventing law enforcement from effectively managing individuals with violent criminal backgrounds. Critics contend that the policies prioritize the protection of undocumented immigrants over the safety of citizens. Supporters of the laws, however, argue they are essential for protecting immigrant communities from deportation and fostering trust between law enforcement and residents.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Aviles Perez's criminal history in El Salvador is well-documented, details regarding his entry into the United States remain unclear. Additionally, the effectiveness of sanctuary laws in preventing crime continues to be a contentious topic, with varying opinions on their impact on public safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “back into California neighborhoods put American lives at risk.” — Lauren Bis, DHS Assistant Secretary
- “impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design.” — Pamela Bondi, U.S. Attorney General
