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Trump administration U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges on Tuesday against 27 alleged Tren de Aragua members under the Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in New York.
The announcement marks the first time that the act has been used against a foreign terrorist organization.
“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,” Bondi said.
“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,” she added.
Federal prosecutors stated that 21 of the 27 individuals charged in the case are currently in custody, including five alleged members who were arrested on Monday and Tuesday. Six suspects remain at large.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams supported the effort announced by Bondi.
“The question that we must answer: whose side are you on?” Adams said. “Are you on the side of those who are carrying these illegal guns, wreaking havoc, sex trafficking, harming innocent people regardless of their documentation, or are you on the side of hardworking New Yorkers and Americans? I’m clear on which side I’m on.”
The news release from the Justice Department described TdA as a criminal organization that operates across New York City, including the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in countries such as Venezuela and Peru. Its objectives included preserving and protecting its power and territory through acts of violence, including murder, assault, robbery, and threats, particularly targeting former members who aligned with a rival group known as Anti-Tren.
TdA has also sought to enrich its members and associates through various illegal activities. These included the unlawful smuggling of individuals, particularly young women from Venezuela, into Peru and the United States.
The organization has maintained control and instilled fear among victims and potential victims through ongoing threats and violence. It worked to promote its reputation and criminal influence while also assisting members involved in criminal acts by providing them with lodging and transportation to evade law enforcement.
