Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched a synchronized, multi-jurisdictional takedown on April 29 targeting cells of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO).
More than 25 defendants were charged and more than 80 firearms were seized during the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) operation.
“The coordinated effort focused on disrupting TdA’s involvement in narcotics smuggling, distribution and weapons trafficking across several jurisdictions in the United States,” a spokesperson told Border Hawk.
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE: Five TdA members/associates charged — four Venezuelan nationals and one Honduran national — on criminal complaints for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, firearms trafficking, and Tennessee narcotics violations.
DISTRICT OF COLORADO: HSI and partners conducted an operation resulting in the arrests of three Venezuelan nationals and two Mexican nationals, and the seizures of six firearms and one kilogram of cocaine. A subsequent federal search warrant executed in Westminster, Colorado, led to the seizure of multiple AR-15-style rifle lower receivers, a kilogram of sham cocaine, narcotics manufacturing and packaging materials, and components indicative of firearm manufacturing.
GEORGIA: The Violent Gang Task Force and law enforcement partners executed two simultaneous search warrants in metro Atlanta. The operation resulted in two federal criminal arrests of illegal alien TdA members/associates from Venezuela for narcotics and firearms trafficking violations, as well as administrative arrests of three illegal aliens from Venezuela and one illegal alien from Guatemala.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: Three TdA members/associates were arrested.
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON: HSI arrested three TdA members/associates and executed three residential search warrants and one vehicle search warrant, seizing approximately 3.6 kilograms of cocaine, a small quantity of fentanyl, one handgun, and approximately $100,000 in cash.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon.
“The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration. This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities.”
This article was written by Border Hawk White House correspondent Wid Lyman.
