DOJ charges over 25 people in nationwide Tren de Aragua crackdown, seizes 80 firearms, 18 kilos of narcotics

Federal officials said the operation led to the seizure of more than 80 firearms, roughly 18 kilograms of narcotics, and over $100,000 in cash. The drugs recovered included fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA and Tusi, a drug mixture containing ketamine and/or MDMA.

The cases were filed across multiple federal districts, including Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington. Many of those charged are illegal aliens from Venezuela, Colombia and Honduras, according to the DOJ.

Officials said the arrests were part of investigations conducted through the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan, which has expanded operations to target Tren de Aragua after originally being launched to combat MS-13. Since Jan. 20, 2025, the Justice Department said it has federally charged more than 260 members and associates tied to the gang.

“In a few days, the Justice Department and its partners on Joint Task Force Vulcan carried out a nationwide takedown of vicious Tren de Aragua terrorist networks — depraved, violent offenders who have illegally invaded our country and preyed upon American communities,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

“This effort underscores the Trump Administration’s dedication to restoring public safety, dismantling violent firearms and drug trafficking networks, and enforcing law and order,” he added. Federal agencies involved in the operation included the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Secret Service, and US Marshals.

ATF Director Robert Cekada said the operation highlighted the connection between firearms trafficking and narcotics operations. “Today’s enforcement actions reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling violent transnational criminal organizations that traffic in firearms and fuel violence in our communities,” Cekada said.

In Colorado, two Venezuelan nationals were charged with firearms trafficking conspiracy, with one also accused of distributing Tusi. Prosecutors allege the pair sold multiple firearms, including weapons with obliterated serial numbers, to an undercover ATF agent.

In Tennessee, five defendants, including alleged associates of Tren de Aragua and its splinter faction Anti-Tren, were charged in connection with firearms and narcotics trafficking. Authorities said 25 firearms, ammunition, stolen weapons, cash, and multiple drugs were recovered in that investigation.

In South Florida, three illegal aliens with alleged ties to the organization were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the operation a major strike against the group. “This is a massive and impactful takedown of over 25 TdA terrorists who wreaked havoc on our streets,” Patel said.

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