Alleged Tren de Aragua Leader Extradited from Colombia in First US Terrorism Case

Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, an alleged senior leader of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, appeared before a judge in Houston on Friday after extradition from Colombia.

The 24-year-old, also known as Chuqui, faces charges of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization and providing such support. He is the first alleged Tren de Aragua member extradited to the United States on terrorism-related charges since the gang was designated a foreign terrorist organization in 2025.

Martinez Flores was part of the gang's inner circle, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Colombian authorities arrested him on March 31 following a U.S. arrest warrant. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan on Friday morning.

His indictment alleges involvement in an international drug distribution conspiracy involving five kilograms or more of cocaine destined for the United States. Proceeds from the operation furthered the gang's criminal goals.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson in Houston called the case a first of its kind during a Friday news conference. "This is a first of its kind, which is important," Hudson said. "I think, as everyone knows, in 2025 with the new administration these cartels are now designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Not only does that give us more focus and attention on these groups but it gives us more resources, more ability to reach these individuals in their home countries, that's why this is so significant."

Hudson added, "Mr. Martinez Flores was the first TdA member to be charged with material support of terrorism. Mr. Martinez Flores is also the first TdA member that has been extradited to the United States to face those charges in our country."

The Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization on Trump's first day in office during his second term. The executive order also labeled all international cartels as such.

"Today's extradition sends a clear message: under President Trump’s leadership, foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua will be hunted down and brought to justice," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.