US brings first terrorism charges against alleged Venezuelan gang member

24/4/2025 6:07

added terrorism-related charges to its criminal case against an

alleged high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua, the first time

U.S. authorities have used those charges against the Venezuelan

street gang.



Jose Enrique Martinez Flores was charged in a new indictment

with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a

foreign terrorist organization, according to a court filing.



"Today’s charges represent an inflection point in how this

Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle

this evil organization, which has destroyed American families

and poisoned our communities," Attorney General Pam Bondi said

in a statement.



In February, the U.S. designated Tren de Aragua and other

transnational gangs as terrorist organizations. Under President

Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrant gangs, the administration

has also sought to use wartime powers to deport alleged members

of the gang, sparking court fights around the country.



Martinez Flores also faces international cocaine

distribution charges, according to the indictment, filed in

federal court in south Texas.



He was initially arrested in Colombia in March at the

direction of the U.S. He remains in custody in Colombia pending

further proceedings, according to a Justice Department

statement.



Attorney information for Martinez Flores was not immediately

available.