U.S. Strike Eliminates Leader of Tren de Aragua Gang

President Donald Trump announced that a “swift and lethal kinetic” strike by the U.S. killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, labeled as a terrorist group by the United States. This event was part of a proclamation concerning the fishing industry, taking place in the Oval Office of the White House. Guerrero Flores faced charges in a New York federal court for racketeering conspiracy and other crimes. In December, authorities declared his involvement in supporting terrorism over more than a decade.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on X that the strike targeted a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela earlier in the week. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton highlighted the gang’s responsibility for violence, extortion, and drug trafficking across North America, South America, and Europe. Trump recently nominated Clayton as director of national intelligence. The U.S. State Department previously announced rewards up to $5 million for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ arrest.

On social media, Trump stated, “Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else.” He referred to Guerrero Flores by his alias, “Niño Guerrero,” and shared a video of a building destruction. Hegseth commented on the operation’s demonstration of a shared commitment between the U.S. and Venezuela to combat narco-terrorists, denying them refuge in the hemisphere.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications did not respond to requests for comments. Trump’s administration has targeted the gang through strikes on small boats alleged to smuggle drugs to the U.S. At least 207 people have died in these targeted operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea since early September.

Tren de Aragua is blamed for much of the violence and drug dealing affecting some U.S. cities. Trump and his administration have attributed the gang’s operations to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite a declassified U.S. intelligence report contradicting this claim. In January, Maduro was removed from Venezuela to face U.S. drug charges.

The gang originated over ten years ago in a prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state during a period of crisis sparked by corruption, mismanagement, and falling crude prices. Guerrero Flores, returning in 2013, seized control of the prison’s operations amid government neglect. The facility evolved into a city-like environment, complete with a zoo and other amenities. Guerrero Flores maintained a luxurious lifestyle within the prison during this time.

While the gang’s size is unclear, countries with significant Venezuelan migrant populations, like Peru and Colombia, have charged the group with inciting violence. Unlike other regional criminal syndicates, Tren de Aragua has not been extensively involved in cocaine smuggling, according to InSight Crime. Gang leaders have participated in various illegal activities, including gold mining.

Trump continues to focus on immigration and crime as key issues for his campaign. Though his approval ratings regarding economic handling have declined, immigration remains a strong suit for Trump according to a survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.