(NewsNation) — Twenty-seven people who are either members of or have connections to the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan prison gang have been charged with a series of criminal offenses, including sex and drug trafficking conspiracy, robbery and weapons offenses, federal prosecutors have announced.
President Donald Trump designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization shortly after he took office in January.
The first indictment charges six current members of Tren de Aragua. The second indictment charges 19 alleged members of a splinter organization known as “Anti-Tren,” which officials said is made up of former Tren de Aragua members.
Two other associates of the splinter organization, the U.S. Justice Department announced, were also charged as part of the indictments.
Indictments, arrests of Tren de Aragua members span 3 states: AG
Of the 27 people charged, 21 are in federal custody, including 16 who were in federal, criminal, immigration or state detention centers. Five other people were arrested either on Sunday or Monday, officials said.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the indictments and arrests span three states and will “devastate” Tren de Aragua’s infrastructure as federal officials work to “completely dismantle and purge this organization” from the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said that those indicted were charged in connection with “committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work” as well as robbing and extorting small businesses.
In addition, federal officials said that those charged as current members of Tren de Aragua were involved in drug trafficking, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine.
Those connected to the splinter organization were charged with human smuggling, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the U.S., as well as the sex trafficking of women who had been illegally smuggled into the United States, officials said.