Arrests Made in Connection with Tren de Aragua Gang Operations in the US
A joint undercover operation has led to the indictment and arrest of several individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. The gang is associated with significant criminal activity and has created public concern in the U.S.
The indictments, announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, followed a comprehensive undercover operation lasting over eight months. This investigation involved collaboration among the district attorney's office, New York City police, and various law enforcement agencies.
On Tuesday, six individuals were taken into custody as part of a 120-count indictment. The charges against them include firearm, drug, and conspiracy offences.
The Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuela more than a decade ago, has been implicated in numerous crimes such as kidnappings and extortion across the Western Hemisphere. The gang's notoriety in the U.S. surged when footage from a security camera was shared on social media, showing a group of heavily armed men invading an apartment in the Denver suburb of Aurora.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump remarked on the situation, stating his intent to "liberate Aurora" from Venezuelans, whom he inaccurately claimed were "taking over the whole town."
