The brutal reality of MS-13’s reign of terror in our communities can no longer be ignored. A leader of the gang was sentenced to an astonishing 68 years in prison for his role in orchestrating a series of gruesome murders, including the tragic killings of two innocent high school girls. This case has reignited our call for justice, shedding light on the violent criminal enterprise that threatens our neighborhoods.
In a decisive move, Alexi Saenz pled guilty last year to ordering and approving the killings as part of a wave of horrific violence. This was not just a local issue; it drew the attention of former President Donald Trump, who made multiple visits to Long Island to champion a tougher stance on gang violence and advocate for the death penalty for Saenz and his cohorts.
While Saenz’s defense team sought a lenient sentence of 45 years, prosecutors rightly pushed for the maximum of 70 years, advocating for a life behind bars that reflects the severity of his “senseless” and “sadistic” crimes. Judge Gary Brown showed a level of restraint—reducing the sentence by a mere two years—acknowledging that Saenz avoided a complex trial by pleading guilty. But this concession pales in comparison to the lives he shattered, as emphasized by the judge’s poignant reminder: the victims will never enjoy another day on Earth.
Saenz’s attempts to solicit forgiveness from the court, claiming he was a victim of his circumstances, fall flat. While he faced challenges growing up in El Salvador, these do not absolve him of responsibility for his heinous acts. It’s a disingenuous plea; his actions demonstrate a continued commitment to the gang lifestyle, as highlighted by his significant disciplinary record while incarcerated.
Prosecutors presented undisputed evidence of Saenz’s ongoing loyalty to MS-13, including photographs of him brandishing gang symbols while in custody. His behavior behind bars—assaulting fellow inmates and possessing contraband—illustrates an ongoing adherence to the very gang he claims to have disassociated from. “Actions speak louder than words,” proclaimed prosecutor Paul Scotti, underscoring the falsehood of Saenz’s remorse.
As the chilling details of Saenz’s crimes unfold, it becomes clear that this gang is not merely a local nuisance, but a formidable transnational criminal organization that poses a dire threat to our safety. MS-13, born from the civil unrest of El Salvador, has metastasized into a brutal entity inflicting pain on communities across the United States.
The senseless killings of Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens, mere teenagers who fell victim to this gang’s violent agenda, serve as a tragic reminder of the horror that lies in wait. The loss of these young lives, along with others like Javier Castillo and Oscar Acosta, highlight the urgent need for a united front against these criminal enterprises.
The fight against MS-13 continues, and it is one we will not back down from. Justice has been served in this case, but our resolve to eradicate gang violence once and for all must remain unwavering. The safety of our communities depends on it.
