A federal judge in Central Islip, New York, has sentenced Alexi Saenz, leader of the MS-13 “Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside” clique, to 68 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to racketeering charges tied to eight murders, three attempted murders, arson, and firearms and drug-trafficking offenses. Saenz, known as “Blasty” and “Big Homie,” admitted that he ordered or approved the killings, including the 2016 machete and baseball-bat slayings of Brentwood High School students Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens that drew national attention. Prosecutors sought a 70-year term, while the defense asked for 45 years, citing Saenz’s remorse and claims of intellectual disability. The court rejected both arguments, imposing a sentence that will keep the 30-year-old in federal custody for most of his life. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said the outcome demonstrates authorities’ resolve to dismantle violent gangs that “flood the streets with deadly weapons and drugs.” The case caps nearly a decade of federal efforts targeting MS-13 violence on Long Island, an issue that prompted repeated visits by former President Donald Trump and changes in federal gang enforcement priorities.