Federal Authorities Charge 25 Tren de Aragua Members, Seize 80 Firearms and 18 Kilograms of Drugs

Federal authorities charged more than 25 alleged members and associates of Tren de Aragua, seizing more than 80 firearms, roughly 18 kilograms of drugs and more than $100,000 in cash during a crackdown on the violent transnational gang.

President Donald Trump designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization last year, enabling federal authorities to target more than 260 members and associates who now face charges.

"This FBI and our interagency partners continue to break violent gang networks all over America, and today’s massive takedown of 25 Tren de Aragua members is just the latest example," FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"Under President Trump’s leadership the historic Homeland Security Task Force model is making America safer than it’s been in generations – and we won’t stop until we root these criminal networks completely out of our communities."

The operation focused on alleged Tren de Aragua activity linked to firearms trafficking, narcotics distribution and other violent crimes, according to federal authorities. Investigators recovered fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA and tusi, a pink powder often containing ketamine and or MDMA.

Charges were filed across six U.S. attorney's offices: the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee and Eastern Washington.

The bust reflects the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle foreign gang networks like Tren de Aragua operating in the United States. The gang has faced increased law enforcement attention for its alleged involvement in violent crime, drug trafficking and migrant-related criminal networks.

"The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon wrote in a statement.

"The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration."

"This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities."