In an unprecedented move, the Justice Department has announced the indictment of a leader of the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, who will face terrorism and international drug distribution charges.
This is the first time the DOJ has brought terrorism charges against a member of the newly designated foreign terrorist organization.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the first-of-its-kind terrorism indictment ‘a critical step in dismantling their network and holding its members accountable.’
Enrique Martinez Flores, 24, a reportedly high-ranking member of TdA who goes by the name ‘Chiqui.’
He is charged with conspiring to provide, and providing, material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy, and cocaine distribution.
Jose Enrique Martinez Flores was arrested last month by Colombian authorities at the request of the United States.
As reported by FOX News:
“TdA is not a street gang—it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration,” Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Digital. “Today’s charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities.”
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital that Tren de Aragua is a “violent arm of the Maduro regime operating inside our borders.”
“With these charges, we are using every available tool to confront them as the transnational threat they are,” Patel told Fox News Digital. “From drug trafficking and human smuggling to brutal violence, this group has inflicted chaos on American communities.”
Patel added: “Today’s indictment is a critical step in dismantling their network and holding its members accountable.”
Share your thoughts by scrolling down to leave a comment.
