Empire State Review Team 
Federal Authorities Charge 27 Individuals Linked to Tren de Aragua Gang
NEW YORK – In a major crackdown on organized crime, federal authorities have charged 27 suspects associated with the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The allegations span multiple serious offenses, including racketeering, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, and firearms crimes. This represents the first time Tren de Aragua has been identified as a criminal organization within the United States.
Key Details of the Indictments
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky, detailing the charges against individuals connected to both Tren de Aragua and a splinter faction known as Anti-Tren.
- The indictment of Tren de Aragua includes six alleged gang members.
- Charges against Anti-Tren implicate 21 individuals, many of whom are former members of Tren de Aragua.
Among the 27 defendants, 21 are currently in federal custody. Recently, five suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations executed overnight.
Statements from Officials
During a press conference, Border Czar Tom Homan stated, “Every member of TdA should be on the run,” reinforcing the commitment of the Trump administration to remove all members of TdA and MS-13 from the country. He criticized a pending lawsuit that is halting Mayor Eric Adams from allowing ICE agents on Rikers Island, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement.
Mayor Adams responded to criticisms, saying, “The question that we must answer is ‘Whose side are you on?'” He framed the ongoing issues of illegal firearms and trafficking in a broader context of public safety, asserting his position alongside law-abiding citizens.
Nature of Criminal Activities
Acting U.S. Attorney Podolsky elaborated on the charges, highlighting that the accused individuals committed various crimes, including:
- Murders and shootings.
- Sex trafficking of vulnerable young women from Venezuela.
- Robbery and extortion targeting small businesses.
- Drug trafficking, including a drug known as ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery substance gaining notoriety.
These indictments are part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of New York City residents.
Background on Tren de Aragua
Tren de Aragua has its origins in Venezuela and has expanded its operations internationally, making its way into major U.S. cities like New York. The gang is notorious for trafficking women, often referred to as “multadas,” across borders and forcing them into sex work as a means to settle debts.
In addition to sex trafficking, the gang is involved in various criminal endeavors, including:
- Drug trafficking, particularly of controlled substances.
- Armed robberies and extortion schemes.
- Murder and assault, particularly against former members or rival gangs.
The Anti-Tren group is believed to be composed largely of former Tren de Aragua associates and is accused of engaging in similar illicit activities.
Broader Implications
This indictment forms part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating transnational criminal organizations and violent crime. The operation marks a significant shift in strategy as authorities extend their focus from MS-13 to include Tren de Aragua, indicating an escalation in efforts to eradicate organized crime from U.S. streets.
As law enforcement progresses in these efforts, the collaboration between different agencies underscores a commitment to enhancing public safety and dismantling networks that threaten community integrity.
