Justice Department Announces Nationwide Crackdown on Tren de Aragua

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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Crackdown on Tren de Aragua

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a significant crackdown on the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a foreign terrorist organization linked to a range of violent crimes. This nationwide operation has resulted in the unsealing of multiple indictments against over 70 individuals, including key leaders and affiliates of the organization. The charges stem from various unlawful activities conducted both within and outside the United States, highlighting the organization’s extensive criminal operations.

Key Details of the Crackdown on Tren de Aragua

Number of Indictments: Over 70 individuals indicted.
U.S. Attorney Offices Involved: Districts included are Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Southern District of New York, and Southern District of Texas.
Total Indictments Since January 2025: Over 260 members of TdA federally indicted.

Statements from Authorities

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling cartels and ensuring public safety. “This latest multi-state series of charges underscores our resolve to eliminate transnational criminal organizations,” Bondi stated.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized TdA for exploiting U.S. borders to spread violence and drugs. He stated, “This Department is crushing their leadership and cutting off their money.”

Criminal Activities Linked to TdA

Tren de Aragua is a highly organized criminal entity that engages in a variety of illegal activities, including:

Murder
Robbery
Extortion
Kidnapping
Money laundering
Controlled substance trafficking

Since its inception in the mid-2000s, TdA’s operations have expanded throughout the Western Hemisphere, affecting communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Notable Cases and Indictments

District of Colorado: Two alleged leaders indicted for RICO conspiracy involving robbery and armed theft.
District of Nebraska: Charges against 54 individuals for using malware to defraud U.S. financial institutions.
District of New Mexico: Eleven members indicted for kidnapping and murder related to TdA operations.
Southern District of New York: Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as “Nino Guerrero,” charged as a key leader within TdA.
Southern District of Texas: Four Venezuelan nationals, including high-ranking TdA members, indicted for drug distribution and support of terrorist operations.

Joint Task Force Vulcan

This crackdown is part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), created to address gang violence and now focused on eliminating TdA. JTFV involves coordination among various U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF. They aim to systematically dismantle the organization’s networks and ensure the safety of American communities.

Conclusion

The ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to combat terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua reflect a strategic commitment to public safety and national security. The Department of Justice continues to emphasize that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.