ICE Washington, D.C., arrests Salvadoran alien gang member in Northern Virginia

STERLING, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Salvadoran national and documented member of the 18th Street Gang who illegally reentered the United States after being removed. Officers with ICE Washington, D.C.’s Fugitive Operations Team arrested Walter Bladimir Lopez-Ayala in Sterling Feb. 20.

“Walter Bladimir Lopez-Ayala is exactly the kind of individual that ICE works to arrest and remove,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “A documented member of a notorious criminal gang, Mr. Lopez has no benevolent reason for being in the country and represents a threat to the residents of our Northern Virginia communities. ICE Washington, D.C., will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing criminal aliens from our neighborhoods.”

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Lopez April 7, 2016, after he illegally entered the United States Subject near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. USBP issued Lopez a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

On Jan. 16, 2020, the DOJ immigration judge ordered Lopez removed from the United States to El Salvador.

ICE removed Lopez from the United States to El Salvador Jan. 29, 2020.

Lopez illegally reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official. Between May 2023 and January 2025, Lopez was charged and convicted for several crimes including public intoxication and traffic violations.

Officers with ICE Washington, D.C.’s Fugitive Operations Team arrested Walter Bladimir Lopez-Ayala in Sterling Feb. 20.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROWashington.