In a major legal development, 27 individuals with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal network face serious charges in the Southern District of New York. The cases mark the first time members of the organization have been charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The charges, as outlined in two superseding indictments, detail a range of alleged criminal activities including racketeering conspiracy, sex and drug trafficking, robbery, and firearms offenses. Six individuals are accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua, while 21 are associated with the offshoot group Anti-Tren. According to the authorities, 21 of those charged are currently in custody.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky emphasized the severity of the charges: “Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card."
Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified the gravity of the organization’s influence: “As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities.”
ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved. He stated, “We are at the forefront of efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua from operating in our cities and around the world.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch noted the danger posed by the organization: “Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City.”
The Tren de Aragua is historically known for its operations across New York City and internationally in places like Venezuela and Peru. Their activities allegedly included murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The Anti-Tren faction, composed largely of previous TdA members, is accused of similar criminal undertakings within the U.S.
“The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” stressed the press communication.
The legal proceedings will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly from the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
This investigation received substantial support from several law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and various federal departments. It is part of "Operation Take Back America," a broader initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations and gang activities within the United States.