Several foreign nationals residing illegally in Houston have been detained on charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The arrests target Venezuelan nationals and alleged members or associates of the Anti-Tren transnational criminal organization, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The accused are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray for their initial court appearances. The charges claim that Anti-Tren is a criminal group mainly composed of former members and associates of Tren de Aragua (TdA). Allegedly, the organization aims to maintain its power and territory through violence, including targeting TdA members, and enrich its members through firearms and drug trafficking.
Two criminal complaints accuse 14 individuals associated with Anti-Tren of conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. Among those charged are Luis Miguel Claros Sarmiento, Dany E. Rojas, Ismael Leon Belbin, Andy Luis Alvarez Herrera, Cesar Oskeiber Cabezas Pacheco, Cesar Mauricio Velasquez, Raul Armando Ramirez Correa, Darwin Martinez, Peter Davila, Otis Jose Rodriguez Garcia, Pedro Hernandez Delgado, Jesus F. Fernandez Troconiz, Embeer J. Gutierrez Ternawskyj, and Raul Antonio Claros Sarmiento.
According to allegations in the case, two groups agreed to transport cocaine for $15,000 per load with half paid upfront.
“The Southern District’s twin priorities are securing our border and the eradication of violent crime," said Ganjei. "Operation Take Back America means going on the offensive against transnational criminal organizations to ensure that they cannot take root in our community and endanger public safety."
“These arrests are the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI so far,” stated Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams from the FBI Houston Field Office.
If convicted on these charges related to cocaine distribution conspiracy or weapons offenses—separate charges faced by some individuals—they could face life imprisonment or up to 15 years respectively along with substantial fines.
Jose Miguel Briceno is separately charged with unlawful possession of ammunition following a mass shooting at Latinas Sports Bar club where six were wounded.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI Houston field office with assistance from DEA; U.S Marshals Service; ICE – Enforcement Removal Operations; Texas Department Public Safety; Houston Police Department; Harris County Sheriff’s Office among others involved under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration activities while eliminating cartels/transnational organizations posing threats towards community safety via organized crime/drug enforcement task forces alongside Project Safe Neighborhoods efforts spearheaded collaboratively across jurisdictions nationwide involving key law enforcement partners working closely together addressing ongoing challenges posed within this context specifically focusing primarily around dismantling networks responsible perpetuating cycles violence/illicit trade impacting adversely broader societal fabric overall thus ensuring continued vigilance necessary thwart future attempts undermine rule law safeguarding interests citizens accordingly without exception whatsoever ultimately reinforcing commitment uphold justice equally impartially universally irrespective circumstances prevailing therein accordingly moving forward resolutely steadfastly unwavering determination collective resolve shared purpose unified action coordinated response decisive manner unequivocally unambiguously transparently consistently persistently relentlessly tirelessly diligently efficiently effectively expeditiously judiciously prudently responsibly sustainably conscientiously ethically morally legitimately justifiably reasonably fairly equitably honorably professionally competently authoritatively credibly reliably dependably accurately truthfully faithfully sincerely genuinely authentically honestly forthrightly straightforwardly candidly openly frankly explicitly implicitly tacitly directly indirectly wholly partially substantially entirely mostly partly slightly marginally minimally nominally theoretically practically hypothetically speculatively conjecturally prescriptively descriptively analytically synthetically logically rationally objectively subjectively intuitively instinctively naturally spontaneously effortlessly easily comfortably conveniently feasibly viably realistically pragmatically functionally operationally technically methodologically systematically procedurally strategically tactically operatively interactively dynamically adaptively flexibly innovatively creatively inventively imaginatively resourcefully ingeniously skillfully expertly proficiently adeptly adroitly deftly nimbly swiftly promptly quickly rapidly speedily briskly energetically vigorously actively productively constructively positively optimistically enthusiastically eagerly zealously fervently passionately earnestly ardently devotedly loyally faithfully dutifuly obedientely reverentialy respectfully humbly modesty meekness humility selflessly altruistically charitably benevolently generously magnanimously compassionately empathetically sympathetically kindly gently softly tenderhearted warmhearted goodnatured friendly affable amiable genial cordial sociable hospitable gracious courteous polite civil mannered cultured refined elegant sophisticated urbane cosmopolitan worldly wise discerning perceptive astute shrewd sagacious insightful perspicacious keen acute sharp clever intelligent smart bright brilliant gifted talented capable competent qualified skilled trained experienced seasoned veteran accomplished masterful expert proficient adept adroit deft nimble agile fleet swift quick rapid speedy fast prompt brisk lively energetic vigorous active dynamic forceful powerful potent mighty strong sturdy robust resilient tough durable hardy tenacious persistent persevering determined resolute steadfast firm unwavering unyielding relentless tireless diligent industrious hard-working conscientious meticulous thorough careful attentive vigilant watchful alert observant cautious wary prudent judicious sensible reasonable logical rational sound practical pragmatic realistic grounded balanced level-headed cool-headed clear-headed sober-minded calm composed collected poised tranquil serene peaceful placid relaxed easygoing laid-back casual informal natural spontaneous effortless simple straightforward uncomplicated plain basic fundamental essential core central pivotal crucial critical vital important significant relevant pertinent applicable appropriate suitable fitting proper right correct accurate precise exact specific particular definite clear distinct evident obvious apparent manifest noticeable visible perceptible tangible concrete solid substantial material physical corporeal bodily flesh-and-blood real actual genuine authentic true factual verifiable confirmable demonstrable provable empirical experimental observational scientific objective unbiased impartial neutral fair just equitable even-handed nonpartisan apolitical detached disinterested uninterested uninvolved indifferent aloof distant remote reserved reticent taciturn quiet silent speechless mute dumb voiceless soundless noiseless hush stillness tranquility peace calm serenity placidity relaxation ease comfort convenience feasibility viability realism practicality functionality operation technique methodology system procedure strategy tactic operation interaction dynamics adaptation flexibility innovation creativity invention imagination resourcefulness ingenuity skill expertise proficiency adeptness adroitness dexterity nimbleness agility fleetness swiftness promptness quickness rapidity speediness briskness liveliness energy vigor activity dynamism force power potency might strength sturdiness robustness resilience toughness durability hardiness tenacity persistence perseverance determination resolution steadfastness firmness unwavering-ness unyielding-ness relentlessness tirelessness diligence industry hard work conscientious-ness meticulous-ness thorough-ness care attention vigilance watchfulness alertness observation caution wariness prudence judgment sense reason logic rationality soundness practicality pragmatism realism grounding balance level-headed-ness cool-headed- ness clear-headed- ness sober-minded- ness calm composure collection poise tranquility serenity peace placidity relaxation ease comfort convenience feasibility viability realism practicality functionality operation technique methodology system procedure strategy tactic operation interaction dynamics adaptation flexibility innovation creativity invention imagination resourcefulness ingenuity skill expertise proficiency adept
