Ecuador Gang Leader Extradited to U.S. From Ecuador to Stand Trial for the First Time

On July 21, 2025, José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, principal leader of the transnational gang Los Choneros and an Ecuadoran national, was arraigned at Brooklyn’s federal court in New York City. This action comes a day after his extradition to the Eastern District of New York from Ecuador.