US imposes additional sanctions on individuals associated with Tren de Aragua gang

WASHINGTON On Wednesday, the United States government announced new sanctions targeting individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Authorities also increased the reward to $5 million for information leading to the capture or conviction of one of the gang's leaders, which the Trump administration has classified as a foreign terrorist organization.

The gang, originating in a Venezuelan prison, has been blamed for contributing to violence and illegal drug activity in several U.S. cities. Tren de Aragua has also been linked to armed attacks on ships suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions and has factored into U.S. immigration enforcement efforts.

The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Venezuelan entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, known as Rosita, for allegedly aiding the gang by helping leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores escape from Tocorn prison in 2012. Araya, who gained fame as a character in a Venezuelan comedy show, has had long-standing ties to Guerrero. Reports indicate she often performed at the prison where Tren de Aragua was established and held influence.

Tren de Aragua reportedly controlled the prison for several years, during which it introduced luxuries such as a nightclub, swimming pools, and upscale accommodations.

Additionally, the State Department raised the reward for Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, the first member of Tren de Aragua to be listed on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted List. He faces charges of conspiracy in international cocaine trafficking. The previous reward of $3 million has now been increased to $5 million. Mosquera Serrano was indicted in April for providing material support after the gang was designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Trump administration is committed to preventing these terrorist networks from operating freely in the U.S. and globally, emphasizing that every available tool will be used to disrupt their financial networks and protect American citizens.

Author: Grace Ellison