U.S. Immigration officials arrested Peruvian gang leader Gianfranco Torres-Navarro in New York, who is wanted for nearly two dozen murders in his home country. Torres-Navarro entered the U.S. illegally at the Texas-Mexico border in May before being arrested near Roma, Texas. He was released with a notice to appear for immigration proceedings but federal authorities later learned he was wanted in Peru for multiple killings. Torres-Navarro is the leader of a gang called “Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao” which is accused of using violence to protect its extortion operation targeting construction companies.
ICE officials found and arrested Torres-Navarro and his girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús. Ortíz Ubillús is described as Torres-Navarro’s right-hand man and plays a significant role in the gang. She is currently being held at a processing center in Pennsylvania. Ortíz Ubillús has a large following on TikTok where she showcases her lavish lifestyle including designer clothes, resort vacations, and shooting targets at a gun range. Peruvian authorities believe she is a central figure in the gang’s operations.
Thomas Brophy, director of enforcement removal operations for ICE’s Buffalo field office, stated that Torres-Navarro poses a significant threat to the community and that New York will not be a safe haven for dangerous noncitizens. Authorities in Peru say Torres-Navarro fled the country after being involved in the killing of a retired police officer at a restaurant in San Miguel in March. ICE officials praised the efforts of their officers in bringing Torres-Navarro into custody.
The gang led by Torres-Navarro is accused of using violence to thwart rivals trying to interfere with its extortion business targeting construction companies. Authorities in both the U.S. and Peru are working together to ensure that Torres-Navarro faces justice for his alleged involvement in numerous murders. The case highlights the importance of international cooperation in tracking down and apprehending dangerous criminals who try to evade justice by crossing borders illegally.
Torres-Navarro’s arrest sheds light on the issue of illegal immigration and the potential risks posed by individuals with violent criminal histories entering the U.S. undetected. The swift action taken by ICE officials to apprehend Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement to ensuring public safety and bringing dangerous individuals to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in combating transnational crime and the importance of collaboration between countries to address such threats effectively.
Peruvian authorities are working with their U.S. counterparts to ensure that Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús are held accountable for their alleged crimes. The arrest of the gang leader and his associate highlights the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and tracking individuals involved in criminal activities across borders. By working together, law enforcement agencies can effectively address threats posed by organized crime and protect communities from violence and extortion.
