Federal authorities have charged Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, with possession of a firearm and ammunition. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon, HSI Special Agent William Walker, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch on January 28, 2025.
Zambrano-Pacheco appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis in Manhattan federal court where he was ordered to be detained.
U.S. Attorney Sassoon stated: “As alleged, the defendant—a member of the violent Venezuelan transnational gang known as Tren de Aragua—went on the lam for several months after committing an armed home invasion and other crimes in Colorado. When he was located and arrested in New York City, he was found with a gun and ammunition."
HSI Special Agent Walker added: “Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco is an alleged dangerous fugitive affiliated with Tren de Aragua... HSI’s operation yesterday is proof that collaboration between federal, state and law enforcement partners is essential to combat emerging threats."
The Complaint alleges that Zambrano-Pacheco participated in a shooting incident in Aurora, Colorado on August 18, 2024, resulting in one death. Surveillance footage identified him among six armed men entering apartments with weapons.
Following warrants issued for his arrest related to charges including burglary and kidnapping in Colorado last year, law enforcement tracked him down to an apartment in the Bronx on January 28, 2025. Officers discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol near him during his arrest.
Zambrano-Pacheco faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted of being a fugitive possessing firearms and ammunition.
The investigation continues under the Violent and Organized Crime Unit led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly.
Authorities emphasize that charges are accusations at this stage; Zambrano-Pacheco remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.