Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Venezuelan national and alleged high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua has been indicted on terrorism-related charges. Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as "Chuqui," faces prosecution in the Southern District of Texas. Flores, 24, is accused of providing material support to the Tren de Aragua, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and conspiring to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the structure and threat of the Tren de Aragua, stating, "TdA is not a street gang - it is a highly structured terrorist organization." She also noted the importance of the charges against Flores, describing them as a turning point in how the Department of Justice will approach cases involving the organization.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei reiterated the Department of Justice's commitment to eliminating the threat posed by the Tren de Aragua, saying, "This Department of Justice is committed to uprooting this terrorist gang, dismantling its criminal operations." Similarly, FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the organization's threat to national security, stating the FBI's ongoing efforts to remove it from American streets.
DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz highlighted the joint efforts of U.S. and Colombian authorities in apprehending Flores. He stated, "This is another example of DEA’s tenacity to hunt these networks down, wherever they operate, and crush their evil grip on American lives."
Colombian authorities arrested Flores on March 31 based on a provisional warrant from the United States. A Houston federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment on April 8. Flores is charged with conspiracy to provide material support and multiple counts related to international drug distribution.
The Department of State designated the Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February. Allegations suggest that Flores played a significant role within the organization's leadership in Bogota, Colombia, and facilitated cocaine distribution to support the group's objectives. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million.
The FBI and DEA collaborated on the investigation with various agencies, including the Houston Police Department and the Colombian National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and others provided substantial assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz, along with Deputy Director David C. Smith, are handling the prosecution. The case falls under the Joint Task Force Vulcan initiative, established to dismantle violence-driven organizations like the Tren de Aragua and appearing as part of Operation Take Back America.
An indictment is not an indication of guilt. All accused individuals maintain innocence until proven guilty in a court setting.
