25 alleged Tren de Aragua members arrested in federal crackdown operation

Federal authorities have charged more than 25 members and alleged associates of Tren de Aragua (TdA), seizing more than 80 firearms, nearly 18 kilograms of drugs and more than $100,000 in cash as part of a sweeping crackdown on the violent transnational gang.

President Donald Trump helped unleash the full power of federal authorities last year by designating the TdA a foreign terrorist organization. More than 260 members and associates of the TdA have now been charged.

“This FBI and our interagency partners continue to disrupt violent gang networks across America, and today’s mass elimination of 25 Train de Aragua members is just the latest example,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital. he said.

“The historic Homeland Security Task Force model under President Trump’s leadership makes America safer than it has been in generations, and we will not rest until we completely eliminate these criminal networks from our communities.”

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The operation targeted TdA activities allegedly linked to firearms trafficking, narcotics distribution and other violent criminal activity, according to federal authorities. Investigators seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, and tusi, a pink powder that often contains ketamine and/or MDMA.

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Charges were filed with six U.S. Attorney’s Offices, including Colorado, South Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee and Eastern Washington Districts.

The raid underscores the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle foreign gang networks operating within the United States, including the TdA, which has come under increasing scrutiny from law enforcement for its alleged role in violent crime, drug trafficking and immigrant-related criminal networks.

Investigators seized more than $100,000 in cash during the nationwide crackdown, authorities said. (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 Deputy Director John Condon wrote in a statement.

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President Trump was photographed next to alleged Aragua gang members on the train. The president made a point to take down the violent mob. (Edward Romero/Getty Images)

“The mission of the Homeland Security Task Force is to protect the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and strong interagency cooperation.

“Dismantling this TdA demonstrates the power of united action to disrupt dangerous criminal networks and protect our communities.”