A shocking development has emerged from the Brentwood community as a top-ranking member of one of the most notorious MS-13 cliques faces decades behind bars for his reign of terror on Long Island.

According to Scripps News, Alexi Saenz, 30, has been sentenced to 68 years in prison for leading the Brentwood chapter of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside, a powerful faction of MS-13. United States Attorney Joseph Nocella announced the sentence Wednesday, marking a significant victory in law enforcement's ongoing battle against transnational gang violence.

The El Salvador native pleaded guilty to a string of brutal crimes that terrorized Suffolk County, including eight murders, multiple attempted murders, arson, drug trafficking, and weapons charges. His sentencing represents a crucial milestone in dismantling one of the most feared criminal organizations operating on the East Coast.

Brutal Murder of Two Teenage Girls Rocks Community

The most heinous of Saenz's crimes involved the vicious murders of Brentwood High School students Kayla Cuevas, 16, and Nisa Mickens, 15. The two lifelong friends fell victim to MS-13's brutality when gang members chased them down and attacked them with baseball bats and machetes.

Suffolk County Police Union president Louis Civello expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing that violent criminals like Saenz should never have the opportunity to harm another person. The case particularly resonated with the Brentwood community, where MS-13 has been linked to at least 25 murders since 2016.

Jairo Saenz, Alexi's brother and fellow gang member, is scheduled for sentencing in September after also pleading guilty to the teenagers' murders. The brothers' conviction marks a significant victory in law enforcement's efforts to dismantle MS-13's power structure.

Trump Administration's Crackdown on Gang Violence

The sentencing aligns with President Trump's aggressive stance against MS-13, which he recently designated as a terrorist organization. During his visit to Long Island following the Cuevas and Mickens murders, Trump condemned the gang for transforming peaceful neighborhoods into "blood-stained fields."

The Justice Department estimates that MS-13 maintains approximately 10,000 members across at least 10 states and Washington, DC. Despite its Central American connections, the gang actually originated in Los Angeles during the 1980s, formed by El Salvadoran immigrants seeking protection.

Local law enforcement officials, including Civello, have praised the federal government's focused approach to combating violent crime and transnational gangs. The administration's immigration enforcement policies have been credited with helping to identify and remove dangerous gang members from American communities.

Community Response and Ongoing Challenges

Ahmad Perez, a former classmate of the murdered teenagers and current executive director of Islip Forward, acknowledges the importance of Saenz's sentencing while emphasizing the need for broader solutions. The Brentwood native argues that addressing root causes is essential for preventing future gang violence.

Some community members express concern that increased federal immigration enforcement may inadvertently affect law-abiding immigrants. Critics argue that a more nuanced approach is necessary to balance public safety with protecting immigrant communities.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney views the sentencing as a clear message to criminal organizations that law enforcement remains vigilant and committed to protecting local communities. The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between local and federal authorities.

Why This Story Matters

The sentencing of Alexi Saenz is a key moment in Long Island’s ongoing struggle with gang violence. It shines a light on the devastating toll these groups take on families and the urgent need for coordinated responses. This story also raises vital questions about how best to protect communities while respecting civil rights and addressing systemic issues.

The justice system’s actions in this case offer hope, but they also serve as a call to action for deeper community investment and smarter crime prevention strategies. Stories like this matter because they reveal the human cost behind crime statistics — and the collective responsibility to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

Conclusion

Alexi Saenz, a former leader of the MS-13 clique Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside, was sentenced to 68 years in prison for eight murders and other serious crimes conducted in Brentwood, Long Island. His sentence marked a significant milestone in the fight against MS-13, a gang with deep U.S. and international connections. The murders of teens Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens brought national attention to the gang's brutality and underscored the need for urgent local and federal intervention. While law enforcement leaders praised the outcome, community advocates warned that meaningful reform must go beyond arrests to focus on the societal issues fueling gang activity.