HOUSTON, Texas – Joint Task Force Arrests 16 Anti-Tren Gang Members

A collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals associated with the “anti-Tren” gang in Venezuela, which is linked to the foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua. Authorities have stated this operation represents “the largest suspected takedown of anti-Tren members by the FBI to date.”

“The priorities of our office here in the Southern District focus on border security and the elimination of violent crime. This operation pertains to both areas,” remarked a representative from the Southern District of Texas.

On Monday, law enforcement officials announced that the FBI Houston Field Office, DEA, and several local agencies, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Police Department, collaborated to detain the gang members. The charges include drug trafficking and firearms offenses against former Tren de Aragua members and other affiliates.

This year, the U.S. State Department designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist entity.

According to officials, “Similar to Tren de Aragua, the anti-Tren group aims to maintain and protect its authority and territory through violent means, including attempted murders and threats.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office provided details regarding the arrests:

The criminal allegations involve an intention to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine by 14 anti-Tren members. Those named include Luis Miguel Claros Salmiento, Danny E. Rojas, Ismael Leon Belvin, and others. The charges suggest a mutual agreement among the groups to split proceeds in advance and transport cocaine for $15,000 each.

“Operation Back America is aimed at dismantling cross-border criminal organizations to ensure they cannot endanger our communities,” stated a law enforcement official. “The Southern District of Texas will remain unwavering in its mission.”

Douglas Williams, a special agent with the FBI Houston Field Office, added that these individuals are believed to have engaged in violent conflicts with Tren de Aragua members, leading to serious incidents, including shootings that have harmed several people. “Fortunately, thanks to community safety efforts, they are now in federal custody,” he noted.

The Department of Justice released more information about those arrested:

Some individuals faced separate charges related to firearms crimes due to alleged possession and sale of weapons. If found guilty, they could face up to 15 years in prison. Additionally, a Venezuelan national named Jose Miguel Briceno is charged with illegal ammunition possession, particularly linked to a shooting incident in March at a Latino sports bar in Houston. If convicted, he also faces significant prison time and heavy fines.

The defendants in these cases may confront life sentences and penalties of up to $10 million if convicted.

The investigation is directed by a team known as the Joint Task Force Vulcan, formed to combat MS-13 and now extended to include Tren de Aragua activities. This task force consists of law enforcement from multiple U.S. districts and involves several federal agencies, including the FBI and DEA.

Most suspects are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in the coming days.