Trump administration files first terrorism-related charges against alleged Tren de Aragua member

The Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, announced on Wednesday the first terrorism-related charges brought against an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang. The charges were unveiled in a Southern District of Texas courtroom, accusing Jose Enrique Martinez Flores of conspiring to support a designated foreign terrorist organization and involvement in drug-related crimes. President Donald Trump labeled Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year, which led to actions to deport Venezuelans to El Salvador using the Alien Enemies Act. Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” was arrested in Colombia at the request of the United States and is described as a senior figure within the gang. He is facing extradition to the United States, despite the administration’s attempts to deport individuals linked to the gang. Attorney General Bondi stated that these charges mark a significant moment in the fight against the gang, which has had a detrimental impact on American communities. If convicted, Flores could be sentenced to life in prison and fined $10 million. The unsealing of the indictment coincided with the Justice Department’s announcement of charges against 27 alleged members and associates of the gang for various crimes such as human smuggling, armed robberies, and drug trafficking.