DHS Arrests 68 Tren De Aragua Gang Members in Less Than 1 Week

DHS Arrests 68 Tren De Aragua Gang Members in Less Than 1 Week.

In a significant move against transnational crime, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced the arrest of 68 members of the infamous Tren De Aragua gang in less than a week. This latest action is part of a broader effort by the Trump Administration to dismantle the violent criminal organization, which has been linked to a range of illegal activities including human trafficking, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and murder.

Tren De Aragua: A Growing Terrorist Threat

On day one of his administration, President Donald Trump officially designated Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization. This bold move empowered the government to deploy a whole-of-government approach to dismantle the gang, utilizing resources from across various federal agencies to target their operations more effectively.

Since this designation, the Trump Administration has made impressive strides in combatting the group's presence in the U.S. In under 100 days, law enforcement authorities have arrested 394 members of Tren De Aragua, signaling a swift and serious crackdown on one of the most dangerous criminal networks operating in America.

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The gang’s violent and ruthless activities have not gone unnoticed. Tren De Aragua members are responsible for gruesome crimes that have impacted communities across the United States, including the brutal assault and murder of nursing student Laken Riley and 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.

Statement from DHS Spokesperson

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized the administration's commitment to public safety and law enforcement:

"The Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security are committed to arresting and removing criminals from our communities. Tren De Aragua is a terrorist organization whose members are rapists, drug traffickers, and murderers. We will continue to make sure these dirtbags are removed from America's streets and face justice."

This statement highlights the administration’s tough stance on criminal organizations like Tren De Aragua, which are seen as major threats to national security and public well-being.

The Trump Administration’s Strategy Against Criminal Gangs

Under Trump’s leadership, the crackdown on Tren De Aragua and similar criminal organizations has been part of a larger law enforcement strategy focused on combating transnational crime and securing American borders. By designating Tren De Aragua as a terrorist group, the administration has taken an aggressive approach, allowing for expanded legal tools and coordination across federal agencies to deal with the gang.

Additionally, the administration’s focus on gangs involved in drug trafficking, violent crime, and human rights violations ties into broader efforts to combat illegal immigration and ensure border security. As a transnational criminal enterprise, Tren De Aragua operates both within the U.S. and internationally, making it a prime target for federal law enforcement.

Who Are the Tren De Aragua?

The Tren De Aragua is a violent, transnational criminal organization originating from Venezuela. The gang was initially formed in the 2000s and has grown into one of Latin America's most notorious and feared criminal groups. They are named after the Aragua region of Venezuela, where their operations began.

Key Information about the Tren De Aragua Gang:

• Origins: Tren De Aragua was originally founded in Venezuela as a street gang but has evolved into a major criminal syndicate with operations in several countries, including the U.S., Colombia, and throughout Latin America.

• Criminal Activities: The gang is responsible for a wide range of crimes, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and murder. Tren De Aragua is known for terrorizing local communities and engaging in ruthless violence against those who oppose them.

• Human Trafficking: One of their most notorious crimes is human trafficking, where they forcibly recruit and exploit vulnerable individuals, often young women and children, for sexual exploitation and forced labor.

• Drug Trafficking: Tren De Aragua has become involved in large-scale drug trafficking, smuggling illegal narcotics into the United States and other countries. Their operations are deeply connected to the global drug trade.

• Leadership: The gang’s leadership is largely unknown due to its clandestine nature, but it is believed that Tren De Aragua has a highly structured hierarchy, with strong ties to organized criminal groups in Latin America.

Crimes Committed by Tren De Aragua:

1. Murder and Assault: Tren De Aragua has been involved in a series of brutal assaults and murders, particularly targeting individuals who oppose them or those who are seen as rivals within the criminal underworld.

2. Kidnapping and Extortion: The gang is notorious for kidnapping individuals, including innocent civilians, and demanding ransoms for their release. They also use extortion tactics to force local businesses to pay for protection.

3. Human Trafficking: Tren De Aragua is heavily involved in trafficking people for forced labor and sexual exploitation, especially targeting young women and children.

4. Drug Smuggling: The gang plays a significant role in the international drug trade, smuggling drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States and other regions.

Impact on American Communities:

Tren De Aragua has made its presence known in several U.S. cities, often engaging in violent crimes that put residents at risk. The group's criminal activities have led to a series of high-profile cases, including the tragic deaths of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray. Their involvement in human trafficking and the illegal drug trade also presents serious challenges to law enforcement agencies.

Recent DHS Crackdown on Tren De Aragua

The recent announcement of the arrest of 68 Tren De Aragua members in just one week is a testament to the Trump Administration's commitment to combating transnational gangs. With a focus on public safety, the government has launched extensive operations to target these dangerous organizations, resulting in a swift increase in the number of arrests. In total, 394 members of Tren De Aragua have been arrested in less than 100 days since the start of the administration.

A Strong Stance Against Transnational Gangs

The Trump Administration’s actions against Tren De Aragua highlight its firm stance against criminal organizations that threaten American communities. With a significant number of arrests and an ongoing crackdown on gang activities, the administration continues to prioritize national security, public safety, and the integrity of the U.S. justice system.

By targeting gangs like Tren De Aragua and working to dismantle their operations, the Trump Administration aims to ensure that such violent criminal organizations do not continue to harm American citizens. This is a major part of the administration's broader strategy to protect U.S. borders, combat the drug trade, and safeguard vulnerable populations from exploitation and violence.

Fact File: Tren De Aragua

• Founded: 2000s

• Country of Origin: Venezuela

• Key Crimes: Human trafficking, drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping

• Areas of Operation: United States, Latin America, Colombia

• Known For: Exploiting vulnerable individuals, using extreme violence, ties to the global drug trade

• Recent Activity: Over 394 arrests made by DHS in under 100 days (as of March 2025)