In a significant move against the notorious transnational gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), federal authorities have charged over 25 alleged members and associates. This operation led to the confiscation of more than 80 firearms, approximately 18 kilograms of drugs, and over $100,000 in cash.
Last year, President Donald Trump classified TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, empowering federal agencies to take stronger actions. As a result, charges have been brought against more than 260 members and associates of the gang.
FBI Director Kash Patel expressed the agency’s commitment to dismantling violent gangs across the United States. He described the recent arrest of 25 Tren de Aragua members as a testament to their ongoing efforts, stating, “This is just the latest example of our determination to break these networks.”
Patel praised President Trump’s leadership, highlighting the success of the Homeland Security Task Force model. “Under his guidance, America is becoming safer than it has been in decades. We are resolute in our mission to eliminate these criminal networks from our communities,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Terrorist Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 26, 2025. This facility holds prisoners with ties to the MS-13 gang.
The federal operation focused on TdA’s involvement in illegal activities such as firearms trafficking, narcotics distribution, and other violent crimes. The seized drugs included fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, and tusi, a pink powder often mixed with ketamine or MDMA.
Charges have been filed across six U.S. Attorney’s offices, including the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee and Eastern Washington.
The bust underscores the Trump administration’s push to dismantle foreign gang networks operating inside the United States, including TdA, which has drawn growing scrutiny from law enforcement over its alleged role in violent crime, drug trafficking and migrant-related criminal networks.
Authorities said investigators also seized more than $100,000 in cash during the nationwide crackdown. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)
“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon wrote in a statement.
President Trump is pictured next to alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. The president has made a point to crack down on the violent gang. (Edward Romero/Getty Images)
“The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration.
“This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities.”
