The Trump administration recently deported 17 alleged Tren de Aragua and MS-13 members to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. In the New York City area, more than two dozen individuals associated with the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang have been charged with crimes such as racketeering, sex trafficking, and drug trafficking. The gang has been accused of a range of activities, including murder, extortion, and drug distribution. The Department of State has designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization due to its violent and criminal activities. The gang is led by Hector Guerrero Flores and is active in the U.S., Chile, and Peru.
Specifically, six members of Tren de Aragua have been charged with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). These individuals are accused of smuggling Venezuelan women into Peru and the U.S. to work as sex workers to pay off debts owed to the gang. The women were reportedly subjected to violence and coercion to remain in this position. Additionally, the individuals are charged with drug trafficking, including the distribution of a substance known as “pink cocaine.” This compound, which does not always contain actual cocaine, produces hallucinogenic effects and is dyed pink to distinguish it from other drugs.
Furthermore, 21 individuals associated with Anti-Tren, a rival group, have also been charged with RICO violations and other crimes. These members are accused of engaging in violent activities to exert power in the NYC metro area, including murder, assaults, and threats. The Anti-Tren group is alleged to have trafficked controlled substances, engaged in human trafficking, and obstructed law enforcement efforts. Overall, these prosecutions reflect a broader effort by law enforcement to dismantle and disrupt the activities of organized criminal groups operating in the U.S.
