Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization originating in Venezuela, has grown into a formidable force, expanding its operations across South America and beyond. Known as the "Train of Aragua," the group reportedly began as a prison gang before transforming into a powerful syndicate under the leadership of Hector Guerrero Flores. The United States has taken action against Tren de Aragua, with the US Treasury sanctioning the gang for activities including sex-trafficking across its borders. Additionally, the US State Department is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Guerrero Flores.
The gang's roots trace back to a railroad workers' union that controlled a section of the railway passing through Aragua. This union engaged in extortion of contractors and sold jobs on work sites. Over time, Tren de Aragua evolved from these beginnings into a prison gang, eventually expanding into Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile under Guerrero Flores' leadership. The group has diversified its criminal activities from extorting migrants to engaging in sex-trafficking, contract killings, and kidnappings.
Tren de Aragua's activities have not been confined to petty crimes. They have been accused of serious offenses such as dressing up as Chilean police officers to kidnap Venezuelan opposition military officer Ronald Ojeda. Tragically, Ojeda's body was discovered buried in Santiago, Chile, in March 2024, marking a grim reminder of the gang's reach and brutality.
A prosecutor in Chile has described Tren de Aragua as a "brutal organisation," underscoring the severity of their operations. The group's expansion and violent methods have made them a target of international law enforcement efforts. In response to their transgressions, the US Treasury sanctioned the group, citing their involvement in sex-trafficking across the US border.
Donald Trump has previously commented on international criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, referring to them as "perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion of predatory incursion against the territory of the United States." This sentiment reflects the seriousness with which authorities view the threat posed by such groups.
Ronna Rísquez, an expert on organized crime in Latin America, estimated that Tren de Aragua comprises approximately 5,000 members, generating annual profits between $10 million and $15 million. These figures highlight the organization's vast network and lucrative criminal enterprises.
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