In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, federal agents have taken down over 50 members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang in Denver. The Venezuelan crime syndicate, notorious for terrorizing the city and neighboring Aurora, was caught in the act at a “makeshift nightclub” in Adams County, just outside Denver’s city limits.
Raid uncovers cash, guns, and pink cocaine
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led the raid, targeting an “invite-only party” where gang members were seen partying. Agents seized cash, firearms, and drugs. Including the dangerous “pink cocaine” or Tusi, which the gang has been heavily involved in distributing across the U.S.
Crackdown on criminal illegal immigrants
The bust was a major blow to the gang, with federal officers hauling away suspects in a white bus, escorted by law enforcement vehicles through snowy roads. This arrest is part of the Trump administration’s hardline stance against illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Derek Maltz, acting administrator of the DEA, emphasized the importance of cracking down on violent criminals. “We are here to support the president’s priority,” Maltz said, stressing the urgency of addressing public safety.
Nationwide raids net hundreds of criminals
The operation was a joint effort, including ICE, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), targeting gang members who are in the U.S. illegally. The busts come as part of a broader crackdown known as “Return to Sender,” focusing on criminal migrants and those ordered for deportation.
ICE roundups continue in sanctuary cities
In recent weeks, similar operations have been carried out nationwide. In New York, ICE agents took several criminals into custody, including Gokhan Adriguzel, a suspected terrorist. Just across the river in West New York, agents raided an apartment complex, making further arrests. The operation was far-reaching, with ICE focusing on criminals in sanctuary cities from coast to coast.
Los Angeles and Chicago focused on criminal migrants
In Los Angeles, ICE raids have been ramping up with pre-dawn arrests expected to continue daily. While the exact number of arrests remains unclear, those detained are being held in ICE detention centers across California. Chicago was also a focal point of these operations, where DEA and ICE agents partnered with other federal agencies to enforce immigration laws and ensure public safety.
White House highlights major arrests
The White House has spotlighted these raids, boasting about the arrests, which included criminals ranging from child rapists to suspected ISIS terrorists. Among the most notorious arrests were Edgar De La Cruz-Manzo, a Mexican man convicted of child rape, and Kevin Adith Torres-Velasquez, a Honduran found with drugs and firearms.
High-risk criminals taken off the streets
Other notable captures included a Jordanian man suspected of ties to ISIS, an MS-13 member wanted for murder, and a Mexican man with an INTERPOL Red Notice for murder. Throughout the week, ICE agents have continued to target high-risk criminals. Yared Geremew Mekonnen, an Ethiopian convicted sex offender, was taken into custody by ICE New Orleans.
Additional arrests in Georgia and Boston
In Georgia, federal agents arrested Osman Antonio Abelar Rubio, a Honduran facing assault and firearm charges. The crackdown continued in Boston, where agents took down Vitor De Sousa-Lima, a Brazilian convicted of vehicular manslaughter. Finally, in Phoenix, they apprehended Jaime Arroyo-Rivera, a Mexican man convicted of aggravated DUI.
Ongoing crackdown sends strong message
This nationwide operation sends a strong message: federal agents target dangerous criminals and remove them from U.S. streets. With ICE focusing on criminal illegal immigrants, more raids and arrests will follow in the coming weeks.
