Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, an alleged high-ranking figure within the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, faced a judge in Houston on Friday following his extradition from Colombia. This marks a pivotal moment in the prosecution of cartel leaders.
Known by the alias “Chuqui,” Martinez Flores is suspected to be part of the TdA’s core leadership, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Significantly, he is the first purported member of the TdA to be extradited to the United States on terrorism-related charges since the gang’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization in 2025.
“This development is unprecedented and crucial,” stated Jason Hudson, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in Houston, at a press briefing on Friday. “With the 2025 designation of these cartels as foreign terrorist organizations by the new administration, we’re able to concentrate more on these groups, accessing additional resources and jurisdiction to target them even in their home nations. This extradition underscores that.”
Hudson further explained, “Mr. Martinez Flores is the first TdA member charged with providing material support to terrorism. His extradition to face these charges in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in our efforts.”
On May 16, 2026, FBI Special Agent Jason Hudson informed the press about the arrest and indictment of Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, a leader of the Tren de Aragua gang. (Source: Fox News)
Martinez Flores, aged 24, was apprehended by Colombian authorities on March 31 after the U.S. issued an arrest warrant. On Friday morning, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan, confronting charges of conspiring to provide and actually providing material support to a terrorist organization.
17 members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and members of the MS-13 gang, who were deported to El Salvador by the US in San Salvador, El Salvador on March 31, 2025. (El Salvador Press Presidency Office/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Martinez Flores’ indictment alleges his involvement in an international drug distribution conspiracy via the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more intended for distribution in the United States. The indictment alleges the proceeds were used to further TdA’s criminal goals.
The Trump administration designated TdA as an FTO on Trump’s first day in office of his second term in a sweeping executive order that also branded all international cartels as FTO.
FBI Director Kash Patel said a high-ranking Tren de Aguaga gang member has been flown to Houston from Colombia to face federal charges. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“Today’s extradition sends a clear message: under President Trump’s leadership, foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua will be hunted down and brought to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
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