FBI Director Kash Patel revealed an impressive streak of successful apprehensions from their Ten Most Wanted list while warning Congress that proposed budget cuts could hamper future law enforcement victories.

Top Takeaways

• The FBI has captured three dangerous criminals from their Ten Most Wanted list in less than three months since President Trump took office.
• The apprehended fugitives include an accused child rapist, an alleged murderer, and a high-ranking MS-13 gang leader.
• Director Patel expressed concerns about proposed budget cuts, arguing $11.1 billion is needed to maintain operations and support Trump’s law enforcement agenda.
• Patel plans to redistribute 1,000 agents from Washington D.C. to field offices across the country to enhance nationwide security coverage.
• The Trump administration’s arrest record significantly outpaces the previous administration, which captured four fugitives over four years.

FBI Shows Impressive Results Under New Leadership

In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee, FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the bureau’s remarkable achievement of capturing three of America’s most wanted fugitives since President Trump returned to office in January. These arrests represent significant progress in the FBI’s mission to protect American citizens from dangerous criminals who have evaded justice. The successful operations stand in contrast to the previous administration’s record, which saw four fugitives apprehended over the course of four years, with none captured at this early stage of the presidency.

“Three in less than three months,” Patel stressed during opening remarks before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday.

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program, established in 1950, has proven its effectiveness by facilitating the capture of dangerous criminals through public engagement. Since its inception 481 fugitives have been located or apprehended, with 163 having been captured due to citizen recognition and tips. This tradition of success continues under the current administration, with law enforcement officials crediting the Trump administration’s renewed focus on providing necessary resources to the FBI and the Department of Justice.

BREAKING:

FBI captures 3 of the FBI's top 10 most wanted fugitives in the world, just 3 months into Kash Patel's tenure. pic.twitter.com/jekkGeTnG6

— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) May 7, 2025

Dangerous Criminals Removed From American Streets

The three captured fugitives represent serious threats to public safety. Donald Eugene Fields II was arrested in Florida on child sex trafficking and rape charges after being placed on the FBI’s most wanted list. Arnoldo Jimenez, wanted for first-degree murder in a 2012 case, was located and apprehended in Mexico through international cooperation. Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a high-ranking leader of the notorious MS-13 gang, was extradited from Mexico to face justice in New York on multiple serious charges including racketeering and narco-terrorism conspiracy.

The FBI has acknowledged the valuable assistance provided by Mexican authorities in apprehending both Jimenez and Roman-Bardales, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tracking down fugitives who flee across borders. These arrests represent significant progress in combating organized crime and bringing justice to victims and their families across multiple jurisdictions in the United States.

Budget Concerns Threaten Future Operations

Despite these impressive successes, Director Patel expressed serious concerns about the FBI’s funding outlook during the congressional hearing. He argued forcefully for a budget of $11.1 billion to maintain critical operations and support the Trump administration’s broader law enforcement agenda. House Democrats on the subcommittee questioned the proposed 2026 budget, noting that it contains a significant reduction that could impact the bureau’s capabilities just as it’s demonstrating remarkable effectiveness.

Patel also outlined plans to redistribute approximately 1,000 agents from Washington D.C. headquarters to field offices nationwide, a move designed to enhance the bureau’s operational capacity across the country. This strategic redeployment aims to strengthen the FBI’s presence in communities throughout America, but requires congressional support to maintain adequate staffing levels. Without sufficient funding, Patel warned, the FBI might be forced to cut positions, undermining both current operations and future capabilities.

Former FBI agent Nicole Parker has expressed optimism about the bureau’s new leadership, predicting it will restore the FBI as the “premier law enforcement agency again.” These recent high-profile arrests appear to support that assessment, demonstrating the bureau’s renewed focus and effectiveness under the current administration’s direction and priorities.