In a major law enforcement sweep, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has arrested ten high-ranking members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), described by officials as some of the “absolute worst of the worst” criminals operating in the city.
The operation, conducted in coordination with federal and out-of-state agencies, resulted in the seizure of over 30 illegal firearms, including AR-15 rifles and a modified Glock 9mm capable of automatic fire.
According to authorities, four of the suspects were arrested within New York City, while four others were apprehended in Florida and Texas. Two additional suspects remain at large.
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NYPD Assistant Chief Jason Savino described the gang’s presence as an unprecedented challenge, noting that many of its members were “ghost criminals” who misrepresented their identities, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them.
“[TDA] was quite possibly as big of a challenge as law enforcement has ever faced, where we dealt, quite possibly, for the first time, with what I referred to as ‘ghost criminals,’” Savino told The New York Post.
“A ghost criminal is an individual that is unbeknown to us, may have misrepresented their name and really is not on our radar. So that’s challenging in and of itself.”
Dubbed “Operation Train Derailment,” the NYPD-led crackdown followed an unrelated federal investigation that resulted in the capture of Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a 25-year-old TdA leader wanted on a warrant from Colorado.
Authorities believe the gang, which originated in Venezuela, established a foothold in New York City after members crossed into the U.S. amid the ongoing border crisis.
Among those arrested was Eduardo Garcia, who was involved in a confrontation with police in the lobby of his Bronx apartment building.
His girlfriend, Rosemary Sanchez, was also taken into custody inside the apartment.
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Another suspect, 21-year-old Brian Aguilar, who has previous robbery and gun charges, was picked up in the Bronx at 242nd Street and White Plains Road.
Alejandro Moises Randon Serano, 19, who also has a criminal history involving robbery and firearms, was apprehended at a hospital where he was receiving treatment for an unrelated injury.
The NYPD confirmed that four additional TdA members were arrested in out-of-state operations, including two in Texas and Florida. Two suspects remain at large.
Authorities say Tren de Aragua members have been involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug and weapons trafficking, as well as human smuggling.
Law enforcement sources revealed that the gang actively recruited from within city-funded migrant shelters, including the massive tent city on Randall’s Island.
According to sources, security guards at these shelters, who are prohibited from working directly with the NYPD, have inadvertently enabled criminal activity.
Reports indicate that illicit substances and weapons have been smuggled into the facilities, often concealed within food deliveries that are not subjected to security screenings or metal detectors.
Tren de Aragua traces its origins to the Venezuelan state of Aragua, where it initially formed within a local labor union before expanding into a prison-based criminal enterprise.
The gang later spread into Colombia and Chile before making its way to the United States, where it established operations in several cities, including New York.
Gang members are known for their distinct tattoos, which often include bulls and the number 23, reportedly in reference to former NBA star Michael Jordan.
Some law enforcement sources speculate that this symbolizes the gang’s early foothold in Chicago before expanding its reach across the U.S.
The crackdown on Tren de Aragua follows a series of NYPD operations targeting violent migrant gangs.
One such offshoot, known as Diablos de 42 (Devils of 42nd Street), previously terrorized Times Square with strong-arm robberies and assaults on unsuspecting New Yorkers and tourists.
The NYPD took down the group following multiple reports on its activities, but not before one of its 15-year-old members became notorious for repeatedly evading arrest due to New York’s juvenile justice laws.
With the latest arrests, law enforcement officials believe they are making significant progress in dismantling Tren de Aragua’s operations in the city.
“The vast majority of our newest arrivals come here to New York with the absolute best intentions in mind, the same intentions that all our family members did,” Savino said. “They come here to essentially look for a life to better themselves and their families. They come here for all the right intentions.”
“With that being said, we do have a core group, a small core group of individuals that come here with ill intentions,” he continued.
“They come here almost exclusively to commit and engage in criminality, and it’s no different than any other criminals we deal with.”
The arrested gang members were being arraigned in Queens, where the investigation was based, with a press conference scheduled to provide additional details.
Officials remain vigilant, warning that while this operation is a major step in the right direction, efforts to combat organized crime among migrant gangs must continue.
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