The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a significant step against organized crime by unsealing indictments against 27 individuals associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its breakaway faction, Anti-Tren. These suspects now face a comprehensive list of federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, and illegal firearms possession.
The law enforcement action was announced with 21 of the indicted already in custody. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the move as an essential strike against what she called a "highly structured terrorist organization," responsible for a wave of violent crimes and narcotics distribution across American communities, Breitbart reported.
The indictments shed light on the operations of TdA and Anti-Tren, which have been active not only in New York City but have extended their criminal reach into other regions of the United States. The two groups, originally part of the same gang, have reportedly engaged in violent conflicts with each other while still exploiting vulnerable individuals and introducing dangerous drugs into U.S. cities, including a ketamine-laced substance known as "tusi."
Federal documents point out that TdA has been active internationally, with operations traced to the Bronx, Queens, Venezuela, and Peru. The gang is specifically accused of trafficking young Venezuelan women, referred to as "multadas," into the U.S. and forcing them into prostitution to pay off purported debts. To maintain dominance over their victims, TdA members allegedly resorted to threats, assault, kidnappings, and even murder, along with illegal armament and witness intimidation to prevent legal repercussions.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized the gravity of the crimes, saying, "This isn't just street crime—it's organized racketeering." She highlighted the severe impact these defendants have had on communities through sex trafficking, drug distribution, and violent crimes with illegal firearms.
The DOJ's list of charged individuals includes six alleged key members of TdA, such as Jarwin Valero-Calderon ("La Fama"), Samuel Gonzalez Castro ("Klei"), and Armando Jose Perez Gonzalez ("Biblia"). These members could face sentences from five years to life in federal prison if found guilty.
Similarly, the Anti-Tren faction, primarily composed of former TdA members, is accused of engaging in comparable criminal activities, including the smuggling and trafficking of women, drug distribution, armed robberies, and violent enforcement strategies. The indictment against Anti-Tren targets 21 individuals, which includes Reinaldo Gonzales-Valdez ("Mariguana"), Jose Guerrero-Zarate ("Mantequilla"), and Johan Mujica-Urpin ("Sobrino").
The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York stated, "These indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe," echoing a commitment to curbing violence on the streets. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate further arrests as they continue to dismantle the gang's presence in the U.S.