Trump government files terrorism-linked charges against a purported senior member of the Tren de Aragua gang
Fast Facts: The Tren de Aragua Gang Terrorizing Continents
In a shocking turn of events, the Department of Justice has slapped terrorism-related charges against a high-ranking Tren de Aragua gang member, as announced on Wednesday. This is the first time such charges have been leveled against a TdA member.
The Trump administration has been on a mission to crack down on the Venezuelan gang since months past. In February, the gang was designated a foreign terrorist organization following an executive order.
Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, a 24-year-old allegedly holding a high-ranking position in the Tren de Aragua in Bogotá, Colombia, is the accused. According to the Department of Justice, Flores is part of the gang's "inner circle" and has been contributing to the delivery of cocaine for international distribution to further the gang’s nefarious goals.
Flores is currently detained in Colombia, arrested by Colombian authorities on March 31st after the US issued a provisional arrest warrant. On April 8th, a Houston federal grand jury filed a superseding indictment. The exact date of Flores’ extradition to the US remains undisclosed.
Flores has been charged with one count of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and another count of conspiracy to provide material support. In addition, he faces charges of one count of international drug distribution conspiracy and two counts of international drug distribution.
The terror-related charges come over a month after the administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of alleged Tren de Aragua members from the United States. Both the Supreme Court and a federal district court temporarily blocked the administration’s ability to deport migrants under the wartime law.
"TdA is not a street gang - it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. She added, "Today's charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities."
For years, Tren de Aragua has terrorized not only Venezuela but also several neighboring countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. The gang has been linked with various criminal activities, including human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and drug smuggling.
Flores stands to face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine if convicted.
Interesting Trivia:- The Tren de Aragua gang, originating in Venezuela, took shape during Hugo Chávez's presidency, similar to other Latin American gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18.- Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias "Niño Guerrero," is the leader of Tren de Aragua and is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence for multiple murders.- The gang is involved in a range of criminal activities, such as murder, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal mining, among others.- Despite being designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration, Tren de Aragua continues to pose a significant threat due to its global reach and diverse criminal activities.
- The Tren de Aragua gang, allegedly involved in various criminal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking, has targeted individuals, including the recently arrested Jose Enrique Martinez Flores in Colombia, with the intention of distributing cocaine for international purposes.
- The US Department of Justice has announced terrorism-related charges against Flores, who is a high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua gang, with plans to extradite him to the United States.
- In addition to the terrorism charges, Flores faces charges related to international drug distribution conspiracy and multiple counts of international drug distribution. If convicted, he stands to face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
- The charges against Flores come shortly after the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of alleged Tren de Aragua members from the United States, despite both the Supreme Court and a federal district court temporarily blocking the administration’s ability to deport migrants under the wartime law.
