Federal authorities in New York have filed significant charges against members of the Tren de Aragua gang, marking a major step in the fight against organized crime linked to illegal immigration. This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that 27 individuals connected to the gang are facing serious allegations, including human smuggling, sex trafficking, and murder.
The charges come as part of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The operation seeks to protect communities from violent crime and has mobilized extensive resources from the Justice Department.
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that the indictments highlight the government’s commitment to keeping neighborhoods safe. He announced that the gang’s activities included trafficking women from Venezuela for sexual exploitation, committing violent crimes, and selling drugs.
The charges were filed in two indictments: one against six current members of Tren de Aragua and another against 21 individuals associated with a splinter group known as "Anti-Tren," made up of former gang members. The majority of those indicted are in their twenties, with the oldest being 44. If convicted, many face multiple life sentences.
Tren de Aragua has been labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration, reflecting the gang’s violent and organized nature. The gang has been linked to a range of criminal activities, from racketeering and drug trafficking to extortion and illegal arms possession.
Among the most alarming accusations is the gang’s involvement in smuggling "multadas," or indentured sex workers, from Venezuela to the U.S. and Peru. These women are reportedly kept in a cycle of fear and violence, with threats against their lives and families.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the severity of the situation, describing Tren de Aragua as a highly structured organization that inflicts harm on American families through violence and trafficking. She expressed confidence that the recent indictments would weaken the gang’s operations significantly.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch also praised the indictments, stating that this is the first time the gang has been officially recognized and charged as a criminal enterprise. She highlighted the gang’s disregard for public safety and the impact of their actions on local communities.
This operation is supported by Joint Task Force Vulcan, a coalition of law enforcement agencies created to combat gangs like MS-13, which has now expanded its focus to include Tren de Aragua. Authorities are determined to eradicate the gang’s influence and restore safety to neighborhoods affected by their criminal activities.