A major crackdown on the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has resulted in multiple arrests across the United States, marking a significant development in the fight against transnational crime.

According to Daily Caller, federal authorities have charged more than two dozen individuals affiliated with Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its splinter group Anti-Tren for various crimes including sex trafficking, robbery, and racketeering across multiple states.

The Department of Justice's operation led to charges against six current TdA members and 19 alleged members of Anti-Tren, a breakaway faction. Of the 27 defendants, 16 were already in custody, while five more were apprehended during operations conducted Sunday night and Monday in New York State and surrounding areas.

Sex trafficking and drug operations exposed

Federal prosecutors unveiled details of an elaborate sex trafficking scheme where gang members allegedly smuggled Venezuelan women, known as "multadas," into the United States. These women were forced into sex work to pay off their debts under threats of violence and death against them and their families.

The gang has also been linked to the distribution of "tusi," a distinctive pink powder containing ketamine. Law enforcement officials identified this drug as the organization's signature product in their criminal enterprise.

The operation represents the first time TdA has been formally charged as a criminal enterprise in New York City, where the gang has established a significant presence.

Rising Venezuelan gang presence in America

TdA's evolution from a prison gang founded in 2013 to an international criminal organization with approximately 5,000 members has coincided with Venezuela's ongoing crisis. The gang has now established operations in at least 15 U.S. states.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated:

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. Today's indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA's infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country.

The massive exodus of Venezuelan nationals under Nicolas Maduro's regime has facilitated TdA's expansion. According to immigration data, roughly 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country, with many crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.

Trump administration's strategic response

President Trump's administration has implemented several measures to combat TdA's growing influence. These include designating the group as a foreign terrorist organization and invoking the Alien Enemies Act for expedited detention and deportation.

The administration has also established an agreement with El Salvador to house deported TdA members in their newly-constructed maximum-security facility. However, these efforts have faced resistance from Democratic lawmakers and liberal organizations through legal challenges.

A leaked Department of Homeland Security report from October 2024 revealed that over 600 foreign nationals in the U.S. may have connections to TdA. Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement documents from March indicated more than 170 TdA members were on their non-detained docket list.

Terror network faces mounting pressure

The Trump administration's latest operation against Tren de Aragua has resulted in the arrest and indictment of 27 individuals connected to the Venezuelan criminal organization and its splinter group. The charges span multiple serious crimes including sex trafficking, drug distribution, and violent offenses across three states. As federal authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the organization's U.S. operations, the administration faces ongoing legal challenges from opposition groups regarding its deportation strategies.