Not on the payroll, IMO.
I think she is one of those who employs/bankrolls them.
JMO, but I believe that MS-13 is used by certain politicians for hit jobs. (Seth Rich.)
MS-13 members are more than happy to do the work, they are relatively cheap, and after they finish the job, they are taken out so that there are no “loose ends” who might testify about who hired them. Since they are thugs, no one goes looking for the person who took them out. Very convenient for a powerful politician who needs to shut someone up - permanently.
That is an interesting take....and it makes sense.
Yes, I agree if they are on her payroll this would clearly explain why she defends them. It is not in her interest to leave them all alone out there. The next time she needs a personal favor they might not be there to help her. She did not acquire such notoriety by sitting on the sidelines. Everybody knows she is just another sociopath politician. But then I still think that Hillary outdoes her in that area.
Good theory.