Fugitive on ICE's 10 "Most Wanted" list captured in Los Angeles

MS-13 gang member sought for questioning by LAPD in several homicides

LOS ANGELES - A Mexican national street gang member featured on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) list of 10 "Most Wanted" fugitives was captured yesterday in Los Angeles, ending a four-year manhunt.

David Rivera, 33, is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court here this morning on felony charges of re-entering the United States following a formal deportation, a violation that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The MS-13 member, whose criminal history includes prior arrests on narcotics and sexual assault charges and a conviction for firearms possession, is also wanted for questioning in connection with several gang and drug-related murders.

Rivera was taken into custody by ICE agents yesterday afternoon at an apartment complex in the Rampart section of Los Angeles. When Rivera realized officers were closing in, he attempted to flee out the back of the property. In addition to capturing Rivera, ICE agents arrested two other suspected gang associates on administrative immigration violations. Officers and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division assisted with the arrests.