Tallahassee, FL - Federal and state law enforcement agencies apprehended individuals believed to be members of the Venezuelan gang 'Tren de Aragua' in Tallahassee on Monday.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), conducted dual operations in Tallahassee, leading to the arrests.
The suspects were detained on allegations of weapon smuggling conspiracy, criminal gang affiliation, outstanding warrants, and illegal entry into the United States.
On Twitter, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced the arrests, writing "This morning, FHP and our federal partners @HSI_HQ and @ICEgov completed dual operations in Tallahassee, detaining suspected Tren De Aruaga members on suspicion of weapon smuggling conspiracy, criminal gang affiliation, warrants, and illegal entry to the U.S."
'Tren de Aragua,' translating to 'Aragua Train,' originated in a Venezuelan prison and has expanded its influence across Central and South America, including countries like Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
The gang is reportedly involved in various criminal activities, such as murder, drug and human trafficking, sex crimes, and extortion.
Recently, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 'Tren de Aragua' as a transnational criminal organization, imposing sanctions to disrupt its operations.
Monday's arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat international criminal organizations operating within the United States.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the gang's activities and affiliations in the region.