The Feds started the task-force that works with South American countries in targeting MS-13 in '04. It was about that time when they seemed to be in the news like crazy.

I think the noteriety MS-13 garnered in the last decade or so worked very much against them, and directly led to the massive operations like the one in late 08 that saw some 650 suspects arrested across five or so countries.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/crime/2011/08/violent-ms-13-gang-fading-bay-area