U.S. authorities have announced charges against 27 individuals linked to Tren de Aragua (TdA), a foreign terrorist organization, and its splinter group, Anti-Tren. These charges, as explained in two superseding indictments, include racketeering, drug and sex trafficking, robbery, and firearms offenses. The allegations span multiple jurisdictions across New York City, New Jersey, and internationally.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated: "Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling 'tusi,' a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card. Today’s Indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe, and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets."
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed, "As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities. Today’s indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA’s infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country."
Jessica S. Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, said: "Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City. For the first time ever, TdA is being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is."
The TdA Indictment outlines the group's alleged operations across New York City, Venezuela, Peru, and beyond, detailing efforts to maintain power through violence, including murder, assault, and robbery. They are accused of human trafficking, using threats and violence to control victims, and drug trafficking—most notably "tusi," a powder containing ketamine.
On the other hand, the Anti-Tren Indictment positions the group as a faction primarily consisting of former TdA members. They purportedly engaged in similar criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking, also employing intimidation tactics to further their operations.
The consequences for those charged vary, with maximum penalties up to life in prison for some offenses. The indictments underscore the extensive law enforcement collaboration across federal and state levels to disrupt these organizations, with significant investigative efforts from entities such as the NYPD and DHS.
Authorities emphasize that the charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
