The United States has taken decisive action against the Tren de Aragua gang in Venezuela, eliminating a significant leader. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney emphasizes the ongoing threat of cartels engaged in drug and human trafficking. She highlights the mission to locate 146,000 human-trafficked children as a priority for law enforcement.
Recently, the Justice Department announced charges against 11 individuals from Venezuela and Colombia, accusing them of sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegally trafficking firearms. Ten of these individuals are reportedly unlawfully present in the US. Most of the defendants were apprehended in Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. A 30-count federal indictment outlined the conspiracy to traffic a minor and an adult woman between July and August 2025.
There are inconsistencies regarding the age of one of the trafficking victims, indicated to be either 14 or 17. The group is also accused of crossing state lines to promote prostitution and creating online ads in Ohio. Additionally, they allegedly sold ecstasy and trafficked at least nine firearms.
“These defendants—ten of whom are currently illegally present in this country—allegedly engaged in a panoply of illicit trafficking activity, from drugs to firearms to human beings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We have no tolerance for anybody who commits such crimes in our communities, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie stated that efforts will continue to keep Ohio safe from criminals. Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, reinforced the task force’s dedication to protecting communities from transnational criminal organizations.
The charges are part of a task force initiative under Executive Order 14159, which targets transnational groups, trafficking networks, and violent criminals in the US. Those charged include six defendants residing in Ohio, two in Tennessee, and others in North Carolina and Florida.
While an indictment presents allegations, all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. The Justice Department is expected to clarify discrepancies about the age of the trafficking victim. Fox News Digital, who focuses on covering significant U.S. news, is monitoring the situation.