On March 30, 2025, United States Border Patrol (USBP) arrested two Venezuelan nationals in connection with a theft investigation in Brunswick, Maine. One of those arrested was affiliated with the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a group that has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
The individuals were found to have entered the United States illegally and were released on their own recognizance before being apprehended by a USBP resident agent. According to the agent, the individuals were subject to detention and subsequently taken into custody by USBP.
Chief of USBP’s Houlton Sector, Juan G. Bernal, emphasized the enforcement of immigration laws, stating: "If you are in the United States illegally or attempt to enter the United States illegally you will be apprehended, and you will face real consequences. The days of catch and release are over and violent criminals, gang-members, and terrorists will be removed from this country. Border Security is national security and those attempting to infringe on the law will be held accountable."
Both individuals are currently detained pending their removal proceedings and have been transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
The TdA organization was officially designated a FTO by the State Department on February 6, 2025, as mentioned in Public Notice 12672.
The USBP’s Resident Agent Program (RAP) assigns agents to live and work away from their station to foster situational awareness in isolated areas under Houlton Sector's jurisdiction.
For further information about Houlton Sector operations, USBP advises following their social media accounts: Facebook @ US Border Patrol Houlton Sector, Instagram @ USBPChiefHLT, and X @ USBPChiefHLT.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, with over 65,000 personnel, is tasked with safeguarding the country's borders, facilitating secure trade and travel, and ensuring national economic security.
