The FBI, under the leadership of Kash Patel, arrested 14 members of the Anti-Tren gang—a violent offshoot of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua—on June 30 in Houston, Texas.
The gang members were in the U.S. illegally and are facing charges of drug trafficking and firearms violations, according to a Department of Justice press release.
The DOJ confirmed the suspects were involved in a cocaine smuggling scheme:
“Two criminal complaints charge 14 Anti-Tren members and associates with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. According to the allegations, two groups of individuals agreed to transport kilogram quantities of cocaine in exchange for $15,000 for each load with each group accepting half as payment in advance.”
If convicted, the suspects face life in prison and up to $10 million in fines.
Five of the men may face an additional 15 years behind bars for gun crimes.
Tied to Mass Shooting
Among those arrested is Jose Miguel Briceno, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national tied to a mass shooting at a Houston bar that injured six people. He’s also facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien, carrying a potential 15-year sentence and $250,000 fine.
Multi-Agency Takedown
The bust was part of Operation Take Back America, a federal push to:
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Repel the invasion of illegal immigration
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Eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations
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Protect American communities from violent crime
The FBI worked alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
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DEA
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U.S. Marshals
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ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Ops
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Texas Department of Public Safety
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Houston Police
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Harris County Sheriff’s Office
FBI: Largest Anti-Tren Bust Ever
“This is the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI,” said Douglas Williams, special agent in charge of the Houston Field Office.
“These individuals are accused of engaging in a turf war with TDA members and carrying out numerous violent crimes throughout our city, including a mass shooting… Fortunately, these individuals are now in federal custody facing U.S. justice.”
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei added:
“The Southern District’s twin priorities are securing our border and the eradication of violent crime. This case implicates both.”
He called the operation a clear signal: “We’re going on the offensive.”
