Trump administration offers $5 million bounty for the Tren de Aragua leader

The U.S. government continues its crackdown on transnational crime, announcing sanctions against Tren de Aragua leaders, including the group’s notorious head, Héctor “The Child” Guerrero.

Breitbart reported that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control acted as part of broader efforts to curb the influence of Tren de Aragua both regionally and within the U.S.

In a move announced by the Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, the sanctions target Guerrero and five other key figures in the Tren de Aragua organization.

This deadly group, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its presence throughout Latin America and into U.S. territories, resorting to activities like theft, extortion, and trafficking.

Treasury Announces Bounties for Leaders

The American government is taking a dramatic approach, offering a $5 million reward for information leading to Guerrero’s arrest or conviction. Further incentives are available for leads on other sanctioned leaders, totaling an additional $12 million.

The sanctioned individuals include figures like Wendy Marbelys Rios Gomez and Yohan Jose “Johan Petrica” Romero, all of whom face numerous charges. These charges range from terrorism to illegal mining, casting a wide net over the group’s criminal operations.

Originally formed in 2012 in the Venezuelan state of Aragua, the Tren de Aragua group rapidly expanded. Its ties to the Nicolás Maduro regime are of particular concern, with accusations that the group assists the government in persecuting political dissenters.

Earlier this year, the United States formally classified Tren de Aragua as a terrorist entity, emphasizing the threat posed to national and international security.

This classification comes amidst ongoing deportations utilizing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a decision that led to the expulsion of over 250 suspected members to El Salvador.

The deportations have not been without controversy. The Maduro regime reacted strongly, condemning the deportation process and comparing it to historical atrocities, including those committed by Nazi Germany.

The structure of Tren de Aragua leans heavily on its leadership, known as “Pranato.” Guerrero, as the leader, has been ruling the organization even from confinement at the infamous Tocorón prison in Venezuela.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Guerrero

Despite efforts to monitor and contain Guerrero, his disappearance during a supposed prison “raid” remains shrouded in mystery. This event has led to widespread speculation that complicity from the Maduro regime facilitated his escape through a network of tunnels.

Now unknown in his whereabouts since last year, Guerrero continues to evade capture, although his brother, Gerso Guerrero, was extradited to Venezuela from Spain to face trial.

The impact of Tren de Aragua has permeated into U.S. soil, with confirmed activities appearing in major cities like Chicago. This expansion underlines the pressing need for swift actions from security agencies.

Bessent emphasized the commitment of the Trump Administration to dismantle criminal networks like Tren de Aragua. Highlighting this objective, he stated, “The administration will not allow Tren de Aragua to continue to harm innocent Americans.”

This statement underscores the unwavering stance of the U.S. government in rooting out such influences from its communities, aligning with President Trump’s aim to “Make America Safe Again.”

Efforts to disrupt the operations of Tren de Aragua remain ongoing, with further measures expected to be unveiled as the situation evolves. The U.S. remains steadfast in its mission to combat these destabilizing forces.