DOJ indicts alleged high-ranking Tren de Aragua member on terrorism charges
The Justice Department has taken a significant step in the fight against terrorism and international drug distribution by charging a high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua, a violent gang, with terrorism charges for the first time. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, charges 24-year-old Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Flores, allegedly a Plaza Boss in Bogota, Colombia for Tren de Aragua, is said to be part of the senior leadership of the organization. He faces charges of conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States. Colombian authorities arrested Flores in Colombia on March 30, following a provisional arrest warrant issued by the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the severity of Tren de Aragua, calling it a highly structured terrorist organization that has wreaked havoc in American communities. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, labeling Tren de Aragua as a “violent arm of the Maduro regime operating inside our borders.”
The Trump administration’s State Department recently designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This move provides additional legal options for prosecuting and dismantling the group.
The indictment marks the first time the DOJ has used terrorism charges against Tren de Aragua members, showcasing a comprehensive approach to combatting transnational threats. Additionally, the Trump administration filed racketeering charges against Tren de Aragua members in New York as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The charges against Tren de Aragua members include human smuggling, sex trafficking, and murder. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York reported that 21 out of the 27 alleged gang members and associates are in federal custody.
In light of these developments, it is evident that the U.S. government is committed to dismantling Tren de Aragua and holding its members accountable for their criminal activities. The use of terrorism charges underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to address the threats posed by violent criminal organizations.
The FBI’s assessment that Venezuelan government officials may be facilitating the migration of Tren de Aragua members to the U.S. further underscores the complex nature of the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations. By targeting key individuals like Flores and implementing strategic initiatives like “Operation Take Back America,” the U.S. government is taking proactive steps to safeguard communities and uphold public safety.
