FBI captures Ryan Wedding, sixth top-10 fugitive under Trump

By 
, January 24, 2026

The FBI has nabbed Ryan Wedding, a notorious drug kingpin and former Olympic snowboarder, in a dramatic arrest that signals a relentless push against crime.

The capture took place in Mexico City, as announced by FBI Director Kash Patel during a press conference on Friday at Ontario International Airport in California. Wedding was listed among the FBI’s top-10 most wanted fugitives.

Patel highlighted that this arrest marks the sixth such capture in a single year under President Trump, showcasing a significant milestone for the agency.

This achievement, according to Patel, stands in stark contrast to the prior administration’s record on similar high-profile apprehensions. Another top-10 fugitive was also recently detained in Mexico and is set to be brought back to the United States to face charges. The FBI’s efforts this year include 67,000 arrests, a 200% surge from the previous year, alongside major drug seizures and other enforcement actions.

Ryan Wedding’s Capture Signals Stronger Enforcement

Now, let’s dig into what this means for law and order in America. Supporters of the current administration contend that these numbers reflect a no-nonsense approach to crime, prioritizing public safety over political posturing. It’s hard to argue with results when fugitives like Wedding are finally off the streets.

Patel didn’t hold back in his remarks, emphasizing the scale of this achievement. “That makes six top 10 FBI captures in one year alone,” he declared, according to the New York Post.

And here’s the kicker—Patel pointed out that this figure outpaces the prior administration’s entire tenure. “To put that in perspective, that’s two more than the entirety of the prior administration,” he said. If that doesn’t highlight a shift in priorities, what does?

FBI’s Historic Year Under Trump’s Leadership

Beyond fugitive captures, the FBI’s stats this year are staggering, with enough fentanyl seized to potentially harm 150 million Americans, a 31% uptick. That’s a chilling reminder of the drug crisis gripping the nation. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about lives saved.

Then there’s the 35% increase in arrests of foreign espionage actors from nations like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. National security isn’t a game, and these actions suggest the FBI is finally taking threats seriously. No more turning a blind eye to foreign meddling.

On the domestic front, federal authorities identified 6,000 missing children this year, a 22% rise in recoveries. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a lifeline for families torn apart by tragedy. Credit where it’s due: this administration seems to care about the vulnerable.

Declining Murder Rates and Public Safety Wins

Speaking of safety, the U.S. murder rate has dropped by 20% under Trump, a record for the modern era, according to Patel. That’s a tangible win for communities tired of violence dominating their streets. It’s proof that tough policies can yield real change.

Yet, some critics might argue these stats are cherry-picked or lack full context. Fair enough—data can be spun in any direction. But when murder rates fall and fugitives are caught, it’s hard to dismiss the impact on everyday Americans.

Contrast this with years of progressive policies that often seemed to prioritize optics over outcomes. The focus on rehabilitation over accountability left many feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. Now, there’s a sense that justice is making a comeback.

Comparing Administrations: Results Speak Loudly

Patel’s comparison to the Biden administration’s record isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a challenge to look at the scoreboard. Six top-10 captures versus four over a longer span speaks volumes about where priorities lie. Results, not promises, are what count.

The broader picture shows an agency reinvigorated, with arrests and seizures spiking across the board. While some may cry foul over the aggressive tactics, others see a return to law enforcement’s core mission: protecting the public. That’s a debate worth having, but the numbers don’t lie.

In the end, Ryan Wedding’s capture is more than a headline—it’s a symbol of a larger shift. Whether you applaud or critique this administration, the FBI’s “historic” year, as Patel calls it, demands attention. America’s safety hangs in the balance, and for now, the scales seem to be tipping toward order.

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