Gang Leader Faces Rare Terrorism Charges in U.S.

Clear Facts

• Federal prosecutors have charged Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, an alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, with terrorism-related crimes for the first time under the Trump administration.
• Martinez Flores is accused of providing support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and distributing cocaine intended for the U.S., among other crimes.
• The Trump administration has intensified efforts to dismantle TdA, designating it as a foreign terrorist organization to allocate more resources for its prosecution.

In a significant move, federal prosecutors have brought terrorism charges against Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, an alleged high-ranking leader of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. This marks the first instance of the Trump administration indicting a member of this notorious gang on terrorism-related grounds.

Martinez Flores, a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, faces charges in the Southern District of Texas. These include providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and distributing cocaine in Colombia intended for the United States.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced these charges in a press release, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat the international crime syndicate.

Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “TdA is not a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration.” She further noted that the charges represent a turning point in the DOJ’s strategy to dismantle this organization.

Martinez Flores, also known by the alias “Chiqui,” is alleged to be a significant figure in TdA’s operations in Bogota, Colombia. He is believed to be part of the gang’s senior leadership and was apprehended by Colombian law enforcement on March 31. His arrest followed a provisional warrant requested by U.S. authorities, and he remains in custody in Colombia pending further proceedings.

The DOJ alleges that Martinez Flores facilitated the delivery of approximately five kilograms of cocaine for international distribution, with proceeds supporting TdA’s criminal activities.

FBI Director Kash Patel underscored the threat posed by TdA, stating, “TdA is a direct threat to our national security, to our communities, and to Americans.” He added, “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI continues in our pursuit to eliminate this violent terrorist organization from our streets.”

Under President Donald Trump’s administration, TdA and similar gangs were designated as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation has allowed federal authorities to leverage additional resources to dismantle their operations. Since then, the administration has achieved significant arrests of alleged gang members.

In a related development, the DOJ recently announced charges against over two dozen individuals linked to TdA for crimes including sex trafficking, robbery, and racketeering. These charges also targeted members of Anti-Tren, a splinter group primarily consisting of former TdA associates.

If convicted, Martinez Flores could face a life sentence and a $10 million fine, according to the DOJ.

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