FBI agents have arrested 16 alleged Venezuelan gang members linked to Anti-Tren, many in the U.S. illegally, in what officials call their largest takedown yet of a dangerous transnational criminal organization spreading violence and trafficking drugs across American communities.
Key Takeaways
- Federal officials charged 16 suspected Anti-Tren gang members and associates, most residing in Houston illegally, with cocaine trafficking and weapons offenses
- Anti-Tren, comprised mainly of defectors from Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua criminal network, has established operations in the U.S. amid the ongoing border crisis
- Jose Briceno, a Venezuelan national among those charged, is linked to a mass shooting at a Houston sports bar in March
- The investigation involved multiple agencies as part of “Operation Take Back America,” aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations
- If convicted, defendants face potential life sentences and fines up to $10 million
Venezuelan Gang Infiltrates American Communities
Federal authorities have dealt a significant blow to a dangerous criminal organization operating in Houston, as 16 alleged members and associates of the Anti-Tren gang now face serious drug and weapons charges. The suspects, primarily Venezuelan nationals living in Houston—many illegally, are accused of trafficking cocaine and firearms as part of a larger criminal enterprise. This operation represents the FBI’s most substantial action against this emerging gang threat, which consists primarily of defectors from Venezuela’s notoriously violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) criminal network that has been establishing footholds in American cities.
“These arrests are the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI so far,” said Douglas Williams, FBI agent.
Trafficking Operations and Violent Crimes
According to court documents, the gang members had established a sophisticated drug trafficking operation, with two groups allegedly agreeing to transport cocaine for $15,000 per load. The investigation revealed that 14 of the suspects were involved in a conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. Several members also face additional firearms charges for illegal possession and sale of weapons. The arrests come at a critical time as Venezuelan gangs have been expanding their presence in the U.S., with the FBI recently adding a TdA member to its 10 Most Wanted list, highlighting the growing threat posed by these criminal organizations.
Among those arrested is Jose Briceno, a Venezuelan national charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. Authorities have linked Briceno to a mass shooting at Latinas Sports Bar in Houston in March, underscoring the violent nature of these criminal elements. This case exemplifies how the uncontrolled flow of illegal immigrants across the southern border has allowed dangerous criminal organizations to establish operations in American communities, putting citizens at risk and stretching law enforcement resources thin as they combat these new threats.
Operation Take Back America
The arrests are part of a broader initiative called “Operation Take Back America,” which aims to combat transnational criminal organizations operating within U.S. borders. This collaborative effort involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, ICE, Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan, which specializes in targeting dangerous transnational criminal organizations.
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including potential life sentences and fines up to $10 million for the drug trafficking charges. Those facing weapons charges could receive additional sentences of up to 15 years. While the criminal complaints represent accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the evidence gathered through this extensive investigation indicates a significant criminal enterprise had taken root in Houston. The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in pushing back against the crime wave that has accompanied the unprecedented border crisis under the current administration.
