In a significant law enforcement operation in Houston, Texas, a combined task force of federal, state, and local officials has apprehended 16 members of the Venezuelan "Anti-Tren" gang.
This group is an offshoot of the Tren de Aragua foreign terrorist organization. The operation has been hailed as the "largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI, so far."
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Nicholas J. Ganjei, emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, "The Southern Districts twin priorities are securing our border and the eradication of violent crime. This case implicates both."
As reported by Breitbart, the operation involved the FBI Houston Field Office, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriffs Office, and the Houston Police Department.
The charges against the arrested individuals, former members and associates of Tren de Aragua (TdA), include drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State classified TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. "Similar to TdA, purposes of Anti-Tren allegedly include preserving and protecting the power and territory of the organization and its members and associates through attempted murder, other acts of violence, and threats of such," officials stated.
The U.S. Attorneys office provided further details on the charges. Fourteen Anti-Tren members and associates, including Venezuelan nationals and a Honduran, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. The allegations suggest that two groups of individuals agreed to transport kilogram quantities of cocaine in exchange for $15,000 for each load, with each group accepting half as payment in advance.
"Operation Take Back America means going on the offensive against transnational criminal organizations to ensure that they cannot take root in our community and endanger public safety," Ganjei stated. "SDTX (Southern District of Texas) is going to be unapologetic in carrying out that mission."
Douglas Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office, underscored the significance of the operation, stating, "These arrests are the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI, so far, and they happened right here in Houston." Williams added, "These individuals are accused of engaging in a turf war with TdA members and carrying out numerous violent crimes throughout our city, including a mass shooting at a local sports bar that left six people wounded. Fortunately, for the good and safety of our community, these individuals are now in federal custody facing U.S. justice."
The DOJ provided additional details on those arrested. Several individuals are charged separately with various weapons offenses based on their alleged possession and sale of firearms. If convicted of those charges, they could receive up to 15 years in prison. One individual, a Venezuelan national residing in Houston illegally, is charged separately with unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien. He is alleged to have been involved in a mass shooting at a local sports bar in Houston, where six people were wounded, four critically. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 possible fine. The defendants in these cases face up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million if convicted.
The investigation is being prosecuted by the Department of Justices Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13 and has now expanded to TdA. The JTFV includes U.S. Attorneys Offices across the country and several federal law enforcement agencies.
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