An El Salvador man arrested by federal immigration brokers exterior of a Lengthy Island highschool was an MS-13 fugitive wished by authorities in El Salvador, officers claimed.
The Sept. 3 arrest of Jaime Manuel Perez by the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement exterior his son's college in Brentwood sparked backlash from activists — however federal authorities later mentioned he was truly a global fugitive wished on fees of extortion and threats to injure an individual in his native nation.
“This alleged MS-13 affiliate resided mere ft from college property and went about his life nearly unchecked and consequence-free — till his previous lastly caught up with him,” Homeland Safety Particular Agent in Cost Ricky Patel mentioned.
Perez was described as a Salvadoran nationwide flagged by Interpol with a Pink Discover.
He had first been apprehended crossing the US border in Texas in 2019, positioned in elimination proceedings, and had a listening to scheduled for February 2026, in accordance with ICE.
Perez doesn't seem to have a felony report within the US, and remained in ICE custody pending his elimination from the nation.
However associates denied the migrant was no gang member.
“Jaime was arrested after dropping off his youngest son at Brentwood Excessive Faculty on the primary day of faculty,” mentioned Kaylen Pentaleon, Perez's neighbor.
“He has been a certified employee within the US, and regardless of that, was taken away from his spouse and two youngsters whereas on his technique to work.”
Perez's household declined remark.
His arrest at a visitors cease simply exterior Brentwood Excessive Faculty had drawn outrage from locals in Brentwood, the place the Hispanic inhabitants is estimated at 70%.
“By focusing on a mum or dad at a faculty, ICE has not protected our group — they've terrorized it — The primary day of faculty ought to by no means be overshadowed by immigration raids,” Assemblyman Phil Ramos mentioned in an announcement after Perez's detainment.
Perez remained in ICE custody pending elimination proceedings Thursday.
