Massive migrant gang Tren de Aragua hit with first racketeering charges
Members and associates of the migrant terrorist group Tren de Aragua are facing the first RICO racketeering charges in New York this week. The charges are part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced that 27 alleged current and former Tren de Aragua members are facing charges including human smuggling, sex trafficking, and murder. The indictments reveal a pattern of violence and criminal behavior, including forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling a pink powdery drug known as “tusi.”
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, emphasized the importance of holding these individuals accountable for their actions. The indictments make it clear that law enforcement will work tirelessly to keep the residents of New York City safe and combat violent crime in the area.
The charges were filed in two separate indictments, one against six current Tren de Aragua members and another against 21 members and associates of a splinter group called “Anti-Tren.” These individuals are facing serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and extortion.
The Trump State Department has designated Tren de Aragua and other migrant gangs as foreign terrorist organizations due to their violent activities. Many of the alleged gang members are currently in federal custody, with some facing multiple life sentences if found guilty.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the charges is the trafficking of indentured sex workers from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. Both TdA and Anti-Tren are accused of keeping these individuals trapped in a life of sex slavery through threats and violence.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the RICO charges, emphasizing the need to dismantle and purge Tren de Aragua from the country. The organization is described as a highly structured terrorist group that has caused harm to American families through violence, human trafficking, and drug distribution.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch commended the operations, stating that Tren de Aragua is finally being recognized and charged as the criminal enterprise it is. The gang’s disregard for the safety of New Yorkers is evident in their actions, which include trafficking women, selling drugs, and committing violent crimes.
The successful prosecution of these individuals was made possible through the efforts of Joint Task Force Vulcan, a coalition of U.S. attorneys’ offices and law enforcement agencies focused on eradicating MS-13 and now targeting Tren de Aragua. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities affected by these dangerous criminal organizations.
