First Racketeering Charges Filed by Trump Administration Against Large Migrant Terrorist Group Operating in United States

The first RICO racketeering charges have been filed against members and associates of the migrant terrorist group Tren de Aragua in New York as part of “Operation Take Back America.” These charges include human smuggling, sex trafficking, and murder. Acting United States Attorney Matthew Podolsky announced that charges have been filed against 27 alleged current and former Tren de Aragua members for various crimes, including murders, forcing young women into sex work, and selling drugs. The charges are aimed at keeping law-abiding residents of New York City safe and holding accountable those who bring violence to the streets.

The charges were filed in two separate indictments, one against six alleged current members of Tren de Aragua, and another against 21 alleged members and associates of a splinter gang called “Anti-Tren.” Additionally, the Trump State Department has designated Tren de Aragua and other migrant gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office mentioned that 21 of the 27 alleged gang members are currently in federal custody, with many facing multiple life sentences if found guilty. Charges against them include racketeering, sex trafficking, alien importation, drug trafficking, carjacking conspiracy, robbery, illegal firearms possession and use, and extortion.

Among the charges laid out in the indictments is the smuggling of sex workers known as “multadas” from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. Both Tren de Aragua and Anti-Tren are accused of keeping these women trapped in a life of sex slavery through threats, assault, and violence. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described Tren de Aragua as a highly structured terrorist organization that has engaged in human trafficking, deadly drug distribution, and violence, leading to devastating impacts on American families. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the charges and operations against the gang, noting that Tren de Aragua is now being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is.

The indictments and arrests span three states and aim to dismantle and purge Tren de Aragua from the country, according to Bondi. She emphasized the destructive nature of the gang’s activities, including human trafficking, drug distribution, and violent crimes. Commissioner Tisch also highlighted the disregard Tren de Aragua has shown for the safety of New Yorkers, as evidenced by their alleged involvement in various criminal activities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office statement acknowledged the support from Joint Task Force Vulcan in targeting Tren de Aragua, which was initially created to eradicate MS-13 but has expanded to include this migrant gang as well.

Overall, the charges filed against Tren de Aragua members and associates aim to hold them accountable for their involvement in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug distribution, and violent crimes. These charges are part of a broader effort to eliminate transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from violent crime. The indictments are the result of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, aiming to dismantle and purge Tren de Aragua from the country. The seriousness of the charges underscores the destructive impact that Tren de Aragua has had on American families and communities, warranting extensive legal action to bring those responsible to justice.