A Venezuelan national identified as a high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a designated foreign terrorist organization, has been indicted on charges including terrorism and international drug distribution. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) revealed the unsealed five-count superseding indictment against Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” aged 24.
Flores, currently in custody in Colombia, faces charges of conspiracy to provide material support to TdA, among other offenses. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “Today’s charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization.”
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei highlighted the Department of Justice's commitment to dismantling criminal operations like TdA in the United States, while FBI Director Kash Patel described the organization as a direct threat to national security. A joint operation involving the DEA, FBI, and Colombian authorities led to the arrest of Flores in Colombia on March 31 following a provisional arrest warrant request by the United States.
According to the indictment, Flores is accused of conspiring to support TdA and participating in drug distribution activities that involved at least five kilograms of cocaine intended for the U.S. markets. The Department of State has recognized the significance of TdA's threat, designating it as a foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist as of February 20.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald, Anibal J. Alaniz, and Deputy Director David C. Smith are prosecuting the case with considerable support from various law enforcement agencies. Flores faces a potential life sentence and a $10 million fine if convicted.
This case also forms part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative directed toward combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations in the U.S.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven otherwise in a court of law, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.