SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A traffic stop led to the detention of a suspected MS-13 gang member identified on a federal terrorist watch list in Shelby Township.
On December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:13 p.m., a Shelby Township Police officer pulled over a vehicle near West Utica Road and Dequindre Road. During the stop, the driver handed officers an El Salvadorian identification card, prompting a routine records check through dispatch. That search returned an alert linking the driver — identified as Walter Ceron Linares — to a dangerous international criminal organization, along with instructions to immediately contact the FBI.
Federal agents quickly confirmed that Linares was a suspected MS-13 gang member currently listed on a terrorist watch list. He was taken into custody without incident while the U.S. Border Patrol responded to the scene.
Border Patrol agents verified Linares’ identity and status as a high-risk MS-13 affiliate. He was subsequently transferred into federal custody for further processing related to national security and immigration enforcement.
On December 8 the Detroit Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol confirmed to New Media Detroit that the suspect was being processed for deportation on two felony charges:
– 212a6Ai – ALIEN PRESENT W/O ADMISSION
– 8 USC 1182 – ALIEN INADMISSIBILITY
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide emphasized that the swift response demonstrated ongoing efforts to keep threats away from the community, stating:
“Our top priority is keeping Shelby Township safe. We work every day to identify and stop individuals involved in violent crime, organized criminal activity, or any threat of terrorism before it reaches our community. Through proactive policing, strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, and constant vigilance, we remain committed to ensuring that those who intend to harm others will find no place to operate in Shelby Township. Our goal is to keep Shelby Township safe; our residents deserve nothing less!”
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide
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