Tren de Aragua kingpin lands in Houston to face federal charges: feds
Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” is the first Tren de Aragua leader extradited to US to face terrorism charges
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Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” is the first Tren de Aragua leader extradited to US to face terrorism charges
A 24-year-old Venezuelan national accused of being a high-ranking Tren de Aragua leader in Colombia has been extradited to the United States and is set to appear in federal court in Houston.
Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” is alleged to have been part of the inner circle of senior leadership for Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang designated by the US as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.
Flores was arrested by Colombian authorities on March 31, 2025, after the US requested a provisional arrest warrant. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 15 before US Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan in the Southern District of Texas.
Prosecutors allege Flores conspired to provide material support to Tren de Aragua, including personnel and services. He is also charged in an international drug distribution conspiracy involving five kilograms or more of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States, with proceeds allegedly used to advance the gang’s criminal objectives.
Authorities say Flores oversaw TdA-linked criminal activity in Colombia, including drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, and murder.
A federal grand jury in Houston also charged three other alleged Tren de Aragua leaders: Yohan Jose Romero, also known as "Johan Petrica;" Juan Gabriel Rivas Nunez, also known as "Juancho;" and Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, also known as "El Viejo." Mosquera Serrano is also charged in connection with the cocaine conspiracy.
The State Department designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist on Feb. 20, 2025. If convicted, Flores faces up to life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Mosquera Serrano is currently on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List, while Jose Romero and Rivas Nunez remain fugitives. Federal authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI or submit a tip online.
The State Department is offering up to $4 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Jose Romero and up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Mosquera Serrano.
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