A Venezuelan national accused of leading a major criminal organization cell in Chile was arrested in Los Angeles on Mar. 13, according to the Justice Department. Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas, 40, is wanted by Chilean authorities on seven charges, including criminal association, extortion, and kidnapping resulting in death.
The arrest highlights ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Chilean law enforcement to address transnational crime. Gámez Salas allegedly directed violent crimes as a leader of "Los Piratas," the main Chilean cell of the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua (TdA). He was finishing a federal prison sentence in San Bernardino County before being transferred to U.S. Marshals Service custody for extradition proceedings.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said, "Our country must never become a refuge for criminal illegal aliens who are senior members of foreign terrorist organizations. We will continue to work closely with our overseas law enforcement partners to ensure this defendant will face justice in a Chilean courtroom." Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added, "This illegal alien from Venezuela is an alleged leader of the foreign terrorist organization TdA... This man is a clear public safety threat and should never have been in this country but reentered the United States illegally under the Biden Administration. The Justice Department, along with our federal and international partners, will continue to put safety and security first." Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated, "Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas’s arrest for purposes of extradition is evidence of the strong and ongoing cooperation between the United States and our foreign partners to combat transnational crime, dismantle foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua and hold members accountable for their heinous criminal acts. The United States is not a safe haven for dangerous criminal aliens..."
Chilean authorities allege that Gámez Salas planned kidnappings, homicides, extortions and other offenses while overseeing Los Piratas operations. One case involves the February 2024 kidnapping and murder of a former Venezuelan military officer in Santiago; perpetrators reportedly impersonated police officers during the abduction. The victim's body was later found buried under concrete after showing signs consistent with torture.
Gámez Salas has prior convictions in the United States for human smuggling and illegal reentry after deportation. He was previously removed from the U.S., then reentered illegally before being prosecuted again in Texas.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website. It serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website, focusing on prosecuting federal criminal cases and handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website. The office works with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website.
Previously, another alleged TdA member was extradited from the U.S. to Chile related to similar charges arising from these events.
