U.S. Treasury Sanctions Venezuelan Prison Gang Leaders.
The U.S. Treasury Department today imposed sanctions on the leadership of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, labeling it a foreign terrorist organization linked to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering . The move follows coordinated deportations of over 200 alleged gang members to El Salvador, part of Trump administration policy to target criminal networks.
The sanctions freeze assets of the gang’s top leader, Héctor Guerrero Flores — aka "Niño Guerrero" — and five affiliates under the authority of the Office of Foreign Assets Control . Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the action essential to stopping the gang's spread into U.S. communities.
The State Department also issued a declaration designating Tren de Aragua as a terrorist entity, marking a significant escalation in U.S. efforts against transnational criminal organizations . Gang-linked violence in Venezuela has increased calls for stronger international cooperation against organized crime.
Observers say the sanctions may disrupt the gang’s operations but stress that long-term stability in Venezuela and Central America requires broader regional strategies addressing corruption and weak institutions.
Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
