US extradites 5 fugitives to Chile, including 3 linked to foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua

The United States has extradited five fugitives to Chile, including three alleged members of the Venezuelan-based criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), to face charges ranging from homicide and kidnapping for ransom to human smuggling. Although the extraditions occurred on Sept. 30, the announcement was delayed due to the federal government shutdown and was released only after normal operations resumed.

The actions follow President Donald Trump’s January 20 issuance of Executive Order 14157, which designated TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Originally formed in Venezuela, the group has become one of the most violent and expansive criminal networks in South America, engaging in activities that include extortion, kidnapping, narcotics trafficking, and smuggling operations.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti said the extraditions reflect the United States’ commitment to ensuring that members of foreign terrorist organizations cannot evade accountability by entering the country illegally. “The three defendants allegedly committed heinous crimes in the name of the foreign terrorist organization, Tren de Aragua, and then sought to escape justice by living in the United States illegally,” Galeotti said.

He added that the United States “will no longer be a safe haven for members of TdA who pose a direct threat to our public safety and national security.”

The three men identified by Chile as alleged members or associates of TdA face significant charges related to violent and organized criminal activity. Miguel Oyola Jimenez, 38, a dual Venezuelan–Ecuadorian national, was surrendered to Chile to be prosecuted on charges including kidnapping for ransom and criminal association. Chilean authorities allege that he directed and carried out kidnappings targeting migrant workers in northern Chile as part of a TdA cell.

Jesus Alberto Golding Escalona, 34, a Venezuelan national, was turned over to face charges of aggravated murder and human smuggling. Prosecutors in Chile believe he is linked to Tren de Desastre, a Chile-based affiliate of TdA, and that he allegedly participated in a large-scale human smuggling operation in which he killed an individual.

The third defendant, 37-year-old Venezuelan national Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, was extradited to face charges of kidnapping with homicide, criminal association, and receiving stolen property. Chilean authorities allege he was involved in the kidnapping and killing of a well-known Venezuelan opposition figure in Santiago and that he provided vehicles used in the operation.

In addition to the three alleged TdA affiliates, two other Venezuelan nationals accused of violent crimes were extradited on the same day. Chilean prosecutors allege that 35-year-old Gregoris Jose Cortez Fernandez served as a hitman for Gallineta, a violent street gang operating in the country. Another defendant, 24-year-old Yonaiker Gabriel Sequera Olivero, is accused of shooting an individual during a narcotics-related dispute.

The extraditions were facilitated through coordinated efforts involving the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices, including those in the Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Michigan, and Western District of Washington, the US Marshals Service, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Chilean prosecutors and law enforcement authorities.

Officials emphasized that the operation underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Chile as both countries work to address transnational organized crime and ensure accountability for violent offenders.