Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Ten alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged in a superseding indictment with racketeering conspiracy and multiple violent crimes, including a double homicide in the Bronx in May 2024. The Justice Department announced that these individuals are accused of participating in murders, shootings, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and other offenses as part of their involvement with the organization.
The indictment names Keiber Jaen Martinez (“Keybe”), Samuel Gonzalez Castro (“Klei”/“Kley”), Eferson Morillo-Gomez (“Jefferson”/“Efe Trebol”), Keiver Silva-Jimenez (“Josue Reuben Silva”/“Chuky”), Keineyer Ibarra-Mujica (“Keiner”), and Marlon Farias (“Bili”) as participants in the murders of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless on May 24, 2024. The incident occurred near 2290 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx and also resulted in injuries to a third victim. Gonzalez Castro is further charged with shooting a rival gang member on August 3, 2024, near Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street in Queens; an innocent bystander was also injured during this event.
Six of the ten defendants had previously faced charges related to racketeering, firearms violations, drug offenses, and sex trafficking. Eight are currently in custody; Silva-Jimenez remains at large. Farias had been removed from the United States by immigration authorities. The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote for the Southern District of New York.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated: “The Department of Justice is completely committed to destroying Tren De Aragua and bringing its members to justice for their horrific crimes against the American people. Today’s indictment reflects our ongoing efforts to dismantle this terrorist organization by any legal means necessary.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem commented: “Tren de Aragua is one of the most violent and ruthless terrorist gangs on planet earth. They murder those who stand against them. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are utilizing a whole-of-government approach to arrest and deport these foreign terrorists. Today’s murder and racketeering indictment is a victory for the rule of law and the American people. Thanks to our collaboration with federal and local partners, Americans can rest easy at night knowing these dangerous terrorists are off our streets. Let me be clear: If you are in this country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you will never return. That’s a promise.”
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York said: “As alleged, these members of Tren de Aragua were illegally present in the United States and committed a series of devastating and horrific crimes, including robberies, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and the murders of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless outside of an apartment building in the Bronx... We are committed to putting cartels, gangs, and others who poison our children and pursue violence as a way of life out of business... We and our law enforcement partners know that is what New Yorkers want, and it is what they deserve.”
Special Agent Ricky J. Patel (ICE HSI New York) added: “As demonstrated with today’s allegations, the Tren de Aragua street gang has unleashed a reign of terror in New York... With ruthless tactics... this foreign terrorist organization has become a symbol of unchecked brutality... HSI will not rest until this ruthless criminal enterprise is obliterated...”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch noted: “Tren de Aragua has been terrorizing New York City streets... Over the past few months... today’s indictment reflects our relentless efforts... I want to thank all our law enforcement partners for their continued commitment to making New York City safer.”
According to court documents referenced in the announcement:
- Tren de Aragua operated throughout several boroughs in New York City as well as internationally.
- The group engaged in smuggling individuals—including young women from Venezuela—into Colombia, Peru, or into the United States.
- Members trafficked controlled substances such as “tusi,” which contains ketamine.
- Victims were threatened or assaulted if they tried to escape or failed to comply.
- The organization used violence against rivals—including former members who joined splinter groups—and maintained control over sex trafficking victims through intimidation.
On May 24th last year (2024), several named defendants allegedly agreed together to kill Daniels (44) and Lawless (36) near Davidson Avenue; both died from gunshot wounds while another person was injured but survived.
Other incidents cited include an August shooting involving Gonzalez Castro targeting an Anti-Tren rival—resulting also in injury to an uninvolved bystander—and a September carjacking robbery involving Valero-Calderon among others.
A chart released by authorities details each defendant's charges under various statutes—ranging from racketeering conspiracy (life imprisonment), drug trafficking conspiracy (up to 20 years), carjacking-related counts (5–15 years), Hobbs Act robbery/extortion (up to 20 years), firearms offenses (mandatory minimums up to life imprisonment), murder/assault charges tied specifically both victims killed last May (potentially death penalty or life sentences), among others.
This investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), NYPD; federal agencies such as ATF; U.S Marshals Service; Customs & Border Protection; local police departments; regional task forces; district attorney offices across states like Colorado; FBI; DEA; Bureau Of Prisons—as part of Joint Task Force Vulcan—a national initiative originally formed against MS-13 but now expanded against Tren de Aragua.
Operation Take Back America brings together resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods aiming at eliminating transnational criminal organizations affecting U.S communities.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, Timothy Ly & Andrew K Chan lead prosecution efforts from SDNY's Violent & Organized Crime Unit alongside JTFV attorneys.
Authorities emphasize that all defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
