ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Alien Drug Trafficker in Sanctuary Virginia

 

Another day, another criminal illegal alien arrested in Governor Abigail Spanberger's sanctuary Virginia

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien in Virginia who was found to be in possession of drugs, including fentanyl, narcotics, and cocaine.

On May 4, ICE law enforcement arrested Eduardo Perez-Legra, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba, in Newport News, Virginia. During a post-arrest search, law enforcement seized 19.5 grams of cocaine, 101 oxycodone pills, 5 fentanyl pills, and 27 individually packaged suboxone sublingual films.

Perez-Legra’s criminal history includes FOUR felony convictions for drug trafficking and TWO felony convictions for cocaine – possession.

“Another day, another criminal illegal alien arrested in Governor Abigail Spanberger’s sanctuary Virginia,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "This criminal illegal alien from Cuba was previously convicted of drug trafficking. When ICE arrested him on May 4, he was in possession of fentanyl, narcotics, and cocaine. Virginia is a hotbed for criminal illegal alien crime. Criminals flock to sanctuary Virginia because they know Governor Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians will protect them.”

Perez-Legra became a green card holder in 2004. His felony conviction in 2011 cost him his green card and made him eligible for removal. The Obama Administration RELEASED Perez-Legra in 2012 despite a Department of Justice Immigration Judge issuing him a final order of removal earlier that year on May 15, 2012.

During her first days in office, Governor Spanberger signed executive orders banning state cooperation with ICE as well as terminating 287(g) state and local agreements.

Under Governor Spanberger, Virginia has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime.

• Earlier this month, ICE arrested Walvin Victor Hugo Garcia, an illegal alien from Guatemala, after he was released by sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County despite facing charges of raping a child under the age of 13.
• Earlier this month, ICE arrested Josue Saul Garcia-Lopez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
• In April, Roni Mendez-Escobar, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested by ICE after previously being released by Fairfax County, despite being charged with possession of child porn with intent to distribute.
• In April, ICE lodged a detainer asking sanctuary politicians in Arlington County to not release Luzvin Orvando Garcia Moran, an illegal alien from Guatemala, after he was arrested for attempted rape.
• In April, Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, was convicted for NINE counts of assault and battery after he groped multiple underage girls at a high school in Fairfax County.
• In April, the Fairfax County District Attorney’s Office offered an insane plea deal of just 5 years to two illegal aliens who murdered a man at a park and walking trail in Oakton, Virginia in July of 2024.
• In April, Misael Lopez Gomez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with murder and felony child abuse after bludgeoning his own 3-month-old daughter to death in Fairfax County.
• In March, Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with second degree murder after fatally stabbing a man inside his home in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia.
• In February, Abdul Jalloh, an illegal alien from Sierra Leone with more than 30 prior arrests, was charged with murder after fatally stabbing 41-year-old Stephanie Minter at a bus stop in Hybla Valley, Virginia.

Governor Hochul Celebrates Groundbreaking of Transformative Lincoln Center West Initiative

$10 Million State Investment Supports Redevelopment of Damrosch Park and Improved Public Access to Lincoln Center Campus

Project Will Create New Outdoor Performance Venue, Expanded Green Space, and Welcoming Community Gathering Spaces

Opening Set for Summer 2028

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Lincoln Center West Initiative, a transformative project that will redevelop Damrosch Park and reimagine the western side of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts campus into a more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive public space. Supported by $10 million in State capital funding, the project will deliver a new state-of-the-art outdoor performance venue, expanded green spaces, improved streetscapes along Amsterdam Avenue, and year-round community amenities. The redesigned campus is set to open in summer 2028.

“Lincoln Center is one of the world's premier cultural destinations, and this project will ensure it remains a place where every New Yorker feels welcome,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in this transformative redevelopment, we're opening up world-class arts and performance spaces to the surrounding community, creating new opportunities for free programming, and ensuring that the next generation of New Yorkers can experience the power of the arts right in their own neighborhood.”

The SNF Lincoln Center West Initiative will redevelop the approximately 2.4-acre Damrosch Park, replacing the existing Guggenheim Bandshell with a newly designed permanent outdoor performance venue — The Baron Theater — capable of hosting free performances for audiences of up to 2,000. The project will also remove the existing wall along Amsterdam Avenue, opening the campus to the surrounding neighborhood and creating new entry points, gardens, seating areas, and a 50 percent increase in trees on the site.

The project is being designed by Hood Design Studio, WEISS/MANFREDI, and Moody Nolan, and incorporates feedback from thousands of community members gathered through a robust participatory planning process. Engagement included more than 7,000 touchpoints with stakeholders, including residents of NYCHA's Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition, students from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Complex, and members of Manhattan Community Board 7.

In addition to the redesigned park and performance venue, the project includes streetscape improvements along Amsterdam Avenue, with widened sidewalks, new benches, increased greenery, improved bus waiting areas, and enhanced pedestrian access. The project will also deliver upgrades to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts entrance and improve circulation between Amsterdam Avenue and the West 65th Street/Broadway subway station.

The State's investment is part of a broader $335 million capital campaign that has been fully raised through foundations, private donors, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors, and public support from the State and City of New York. The project is expected to support approximately 3,640 worker-positions over the construction period, with on-site workforce projected to peak at approximately 230 workers per day by the end of 2027.

The redevelopment also honors the rich cultural history of the San Juan Hill neighborhood, the historically Black and Latino community that once thrived on the site. As part of this commitment, Lincoln Center recently unveiled "The Future We Create," a mural by lead artist Vanesa Álvarez and assistant artist Derval Fairweather that depicts historic figures from the neighborhood — including James P. Johnson, Thelonious Monk, Mary White Ovington, and Arturo Alfonso Schomburg — alongside current residents. The mural is on view along Amsterdam Avenue and 62nd Street.

The project builds on Lincoln Center's growing commitment to free, accessible programming for all New Yorkers. The annual Summer for the City festival has served more than 1.6 million visitors since its launch in 2022, with hundreds of free events and thousands of artists performing across Lincoln Center's 16-acre campus. Lincoln Center also offers a free NYCHA Neighbors Pass to residents of Amsterdam Houses, Amsterdam Addition, and Harborview Terrace, providing priority entry to free performances and early booking for additional programming.

COIB Settlements Announced

 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (the “Board”) announces two settlements.

 

Misuse of City Position. A Principal for the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) hired her sister as a teacher at her school and supervised her sister’s employment for one year. The Principal interviewed her sister by herself and without interviewing any other candidates. After hiring her sister, the Principal reassigned her from teaching to non-teaching duties; she continued to receive a full-time teacher’s salary. The now-former Principal, who is currently a Citywide Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Academic Integration at DOE, agreed to pay a $5,000 fine for misusing her City position to benefit her sister. In setting the penalty, the Board considered that DOE had demoted the Principal, resulting in an annual salary reduction of over $20,000. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DOE).”

 

Misuse of City Position; Superior-Subordinate Financial Relationship. A Custodian at the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (“DCAS”) requested and received two loans totaling $330 from a DCAS subordinate. The Custodian repaid the loans several months later. By seeking the loans, the Custodian misused his City position; by receiving the loans, he entered into a prohibited financial relationship with his subordinate. In a joint settlement with DCAS and the Board, the Custodian agreed to the DCAS-imposed penalty of a three-day suspension, valued at approximately $540. The Board determined that the penalty imposed by DCAS was sufficient and sought no additional penalty. The Disposition is attached as “COIB-DCAS Disposition.”

Soccer Streets: Mayor Mamdani Transforms 50 School Blocks Across New York City Into World Cup Field Days for Students

 

Mayor Mamdani's 'Soccer Streets' series will travel to 50 schools across the five boroughs, turning car-free blocks into day-long soccer pitches, block parties and community celebrations leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today launched "Soccer Streets," a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At each stop, car-free streets outside schools will be transformed into soccer pitches, art stations and block-party celebrations. The activations began May 1 and will continue school to school through the last day of school on June 26.  

  

As part of Soccer Streets, students will play pickup matches, run drills, paint team flags and celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event coming to New York City this summer.   

  

“The World Cup is coming to New York City, and we want every kid in this city to experience the joy of the game,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Soccer Streets takes that energy directly into our neighborhoods — closing streets to cars, opening them to play and making sure this celebration isn't reserved for people who can afford a ticket. Open Streets is one of the best tools we have to reclaim public space for the public and these activations are another step toward bringing the World Cup to our city’s young people.”  

  

“For so many schools, the street outside their door is the only outdoor space they have. Soccer Streets shows what's possible when we give that space back to kids — for play, for learning, for community,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We're thrilled to partner on this celebration, and we want every school in the city to know the door is open to join Open Streets year-round.”  

  

“Outdoor play and physical activity are essential to the whole child,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “Initiatives like this remind us that the street right outside a school door can be just as powerful a learning environment as the classrooms inside it. I’m grateful to all partners who had a hand in making this possible and can’t wait for our students to have this experience.”  

  

“Growing up I loved soccer. It was more than just a game. I learned it has the power to unify all of us, create belonging, and teach skills that go far beyond the field,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “From supporting the U.S. National Team to youth clubs across the country, we’ve seen that when you feed people’s dreams they grow. Teaming up with Mayor Mamdani to bring that spirit to neighborhoods across New York City feels truly magical. Seeing streets filled with kids playing, families cheering, and communities connecting through this beautiful game—that’s what makes soccer so special. Especially ahead of the World Cup, there’s no better way to celebrate.”  

  

“The World Cup is about more than the games in the stadium. It’s about sparking the joy of the game in young people and bringing communities together around this historic celebration,” said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “Every borough will participate and every neighborhood should benefit from the World Cup coming to our city.”  

  

“Open Streets for Schools hold a special promise for the future of the city,” said Leslie Davol, Executive Director of Street Lab. “We’re seeing students, families, teachers, and neighbors, working side-by-side to transform streets into places to gather, bringing learning from out behind the walls, and inspiring the whole community. It’s a grassroots movement, rising from the ground up and from the boroughs in. We’re excited to be working with this administration to help bring this new vision of NYC streets to life.”  

  

The City is partnering with the nonprofit Street Lab and Chobani to bring Soccer Streets to schools across the five boroughs.   

  

Schools interested in participating can contact Street Lab to learn more and get involved. Soccer Streets is a part of NYC DOT's Open Streets for Schools program, which allows schools to close an adjacent street to traffic for recess, outdoor learning and safer pickup and drop-off. Several Soccer Streets locations are already Open Streets schools. Applications for the 2026–27 school year are open now and the City is encouraging more schools to join the program.    

Soccer Streets builds on Mayor Mamdani’s broader effort to ensure every New Yorker — not just tourists — can participate in and enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last month, Mayor Mamdani, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee announced a free, citywide slate of Official NYNJ Fan Events across all five boroughs, including live match viewings, cultural programming, engagements at local businesses and interactive experiences for New Yorkers.    

HSTF: Chinese National and Las Vegas Man Charged in Scheme to Import Deadly Synthetic Opioid into U.S.

 

Law Enforcement in the People’s Republic of China Confirmed That a Defendant Was Arrested as Part of a Parallel Investigation

A Chinese national and a Las Vegas man have been charged by federal indictment for their roles in a scheme to import large quantities of the powerful synthetic opioid protonitazene in the U.S. and distribute it as counterfeit pills. These charges stem from an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), with assistance and collaboration with the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Public Security.

According to court records, beginning in approximately September 2024, Jia Guo, a/k/a “idmaster21,” a/k/a “imyourBDOguy,” a/k/a “OXY GUY,” of China, and Seven Schmidt, a/k/a “Vegas,” of Nevada, operated a drug trafficking organization that sourced protonitazene overseas and shipped it into the U.S. for distribution. Protonitazene — often used in counterfeit pill production — is significantly more potent than fentanyl. A quantity as small as 200 grams can produce hundreds of thousands of pills, each potentially lethal.

“This case shows why President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Force matters,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The indictment alleges that a China-based supplier and a domestic distributor worked together to bring a deadly synthetic opioid into the United States and turn it into counterfeit pills for distribution across the country. These pills are made to look familiar, but one pill can kill. If you use South Florida as a gateway to import synthetic opioids, make counterfeit pills, or profit from addiction, you will face federal prosecution. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

“The bilateral investigation with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security underscores DEA Asia Pacific Division’s unwavering commitment to the protection of American lives: disrupting criminal organizations responsible for distributing dangerous synthetic opioids across the United States is one of DEA’s main priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge David L. King of the DEA Asia Pacific Division. “We commend the Chinese Ministry of Public Security for their thorough and swift investigative work on this case, which was initially presented at the February 2026 Bilateral Drug Enforcement Intelligence Working Group, hosted by DEA Asia Pacific Division in Colorado.”

“This was the very definition of agents and officers working in unison to bring these criminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the DEA Miami Field Division. “Lives will be saved because of their efforts.”

“The US Postal Inspection service remains committed to removing these poisons from our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the USPIS, Miami Division. “These charges serve as a warning to others that, using the US Mail to distribute dangerous drugs has consequences.” 

Guo allegedly coordinated the illegal procurement and shipment of protonitazene from China to co-conspirators, including an associate in Miami-Dade County. That associate allegedly used pill presses to manufacture counterfeit pills, which were then distributed to drug dealers throughout the U.S. 

Schmidt allegedly ordered distribution quantities of the counterfeit pills and arranged for their shipment from South Florida to Nevada using the U.S. Postal Service.

As part of the investigation, China’s Ministry of Public Security took law enforcement action in China against Guo. In April 2026, Chinese officials arrested Guo and the freight forwarder, who Guo conspired with to send controlled substance parcels to the U.S. As part of the investigation, the Ministry of Public Security seized 10 parcels filled with controlled substances that Guo sent which were for recipients in the U.S. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Public Security for its assistance and coordinated efforts.

Guo and Schmidt are charged with conspiracy to import protonitazene into the United States from China and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute protonitazene. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the two counts.

U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Special Agent in Charge Aley, Special Agent in Charge King, and Inspector in Charge Rojo made the announcement.

DEA Miami, USPIS Miami, and DEA Beijing are investigating the case with the assistance from and in collaboration with China’s Ministry of Public Security. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Homestead (FL) Police Department, the Henderson (NV) Police Department, DEA Dallas, DEA Las Vegas, DEA Seattle, the Miami-Dade Sherriff’s Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department also provided invaluable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell Hyman is handling asset forfeiture. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial, Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) Beijing Resident Legal Advisor, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from DEA and USPIS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HOLLIS MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR KILLING PAWN SHOP OWNER DURING 2022 ROBBERY

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally beating Arasb Shoughi during a pawn store robbery in March 2022. The defendant sold two watches to the 60-year-old store owner and then violently attacked the victim with what appeared to be a metal pipe, striking the man repeatedly on the head. Lopez-Portillo stole jewelry and coins, as well as the victim’s ring and other personal property.

District Attorney Katz said: “Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo brazenly robbed a local business in the middle of the day and beat store owner Arasb Shoughi so severely that he never recovered. The defendant then fled the state with some of the stolen goods to escape accountability. Nothing can undo what happened, but we hope today’s sentence of 25 years to life in prison provides a measure of solace to Mr. Shoughi’s loved ones.”

Lopez-Portillo, 52, of Hollis, was convicted by a jury in April of two counts of murder in the second degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis sentenced him today to 25 years to life in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and trial testimony, on March 28, 2022, at approximately 12:46 p.m., Lopez-Portillo entered the Global Pawn Shop on Jamaica Avenue in Hollis wearing a black face mask, black hood, black gloves and sunglasses. He sold two wristwatches to Shoughi who gave him cash in exchange.

Shoughi then left the employee side of the shop and entered the customer side to place the watches in a display case. Lopez-Portillo took off one glove, discreetly displayed what appeared to be a metal pipe and, when Shoughi’s back was turned, hit him on the head. The victim fell to the floor and the defendant hit him again repeatedly causing Shoughi to bleed profusely.

Lopez-Portillo then went to the rear of the shop and with his ungloved hand took various items including coins and jewelry and put them in his backpack. He hit Shoughi again until the victim was motionless and then took the victim’s ring and other personal property.

A woman entered the shop and saw Lopez-Portillo behind the counter. She went outside and called police. The defendant left the pawn shop but not before hitting Shoughi three more times in the head.

The victim was taken to the hospital with severe head and brain trauma and died on April 17, 2022.

Video surveillance tracked Lopez-Portillo backward from the pawn shop and showed him leaving a nearby apartment building on Jamaica Avenue earlier that morning.

Lopez-Portillo fled to Baltimore after the murder where he stayed for two weeks before he was apprehended at a Greyhound bus station and extradited to New York. The defendant’s suitcase, which was recovered from a residence in Baltimore, contained coins, watches and jewelry. Some of the coins were identified as coming from Shoughi’s shop.

Fingerprints found at the pawn shop matched those of the defendant.

Statement from Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health, on Hantavirus

 

“The City Council is in close communication with the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other public health partners as one New York City resident, and two additional New York State residents, have been quarantined in Nebraska for monitoring following the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius.

While these reports are concerning, the Health Department has assured New Yorkers that the risk to the public at this time remains extremely low. Hantavirus infections are exceedingly rare, and there is currently no indication of broader risk to New York City residents.

Our city’s Health Department remains one of the premier public health agencies in the nation, and we are grateful for the experts who continue to do critical work every day to keep New Yorkers healthy and safe.

The City Council will continue to monitor this evolving situation and remain in touch with city, state, and federal public health partners to ensure appropriate public health protocols remain in place.”

More than 25 Defendants Charged in Nationwide Tren de Aragua Crackdown Resulting in the Seizure of Over 80 Firearms and Narcotics in Homeland Security Task Force Investigations

 

The Department of Justice announced charges against more than 25 individuals as part of a nationwide crackdown targeting the foreign terrorist organization (FTO), Tren de Aragua (TdA). Many of the defendants charged in this Homeland Security Task Force operation are illegal aliens from Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras. TdA has been linked to various violent crimes inside and outside the United States, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and controlled substance trafficking. Charges have been filed across six U.S. Attorney offices, including the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington for offenses that include firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, among others.

This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 80 firearms and approximately 18 kilograms of drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, and Tusi, a mixed substance that contains ketamine and/or MDMA. More than $100,000 in U.S. dollars was also seized. A number of investigations are still ongoing.

Firearms seized in the District of Colorado.

Since Jan. 20, 2025, the Department has federally charged over 260 members and associates of TdA.

“In a few days, the Justice Department and its partners on Joint Task Force Vulcan carried out a nationwide takedown of vicious Tren de Aragua terrorist networks — depraved, violent offenders who have illegally invaded our country and preyed upon American communities,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This effort underscores the Trump Administration’s dedication to restoring public safety, dismantling violent firearms and drug trafficking networks, and enforcing law and order.”

“Today’s enforcement actions reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling violent transnational criminal organizations that traffic in firearms and fuel violence in our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada. “Working with our local, state, and federal partners, we are identifying and disrupting the networks that arm and enable groups like Tren de Aragua. The seizure of firearms and dangerous narcotics underscores the critical nexus between illegal firearms trafficking and drug-related violence. ATF will continue to use every available tool to hold offenders accountable and protect the American public.”

“DEA has been instrumental in dismantling factions of the violent foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, with enforcement actions spanning from Colorado to Tennessee, Florida, and beyond,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “TdA fuels instability and chaos, threatening communities across the United States. By leveraging DEA’s expertise alongside our federal partners through the Homeland Security Taskforce, we are harnessing the full force of the U.S. government to protect and safeguard our nation.”

“This is a massive and impactful takedown of over 25 TdA terrorists who wreaked havoc on our streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and our fiercely dedicated federal, state, and local partners continue to put criminals trafficking drugs and guns endangering American lives, in prison in huge numbers. HSTF’s goal is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations in the United States by using all available law enforcement tools to do so.  The incredible work and grit by the all the agencies of the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan paid off with great results in this roundup with more to come.”

“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. “The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration. This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) follows the money that fuels organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said IRS-CI Chief Jarod Koopman. “The charges against these more than 25 individuals show how financial investigations can expose and dismantle these networks. When we disrupt their finances, we disrupt their ability to traffic drugs, move firearms, and spread violence. Working with our partners through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are protecting communities across the country.”

Firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee.

The operation resulted in numerous federal prosecutions including:  

DISTRICT OF COLORADO:

• Two Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States under the previous Administration’s policies are charged with conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms, and one is charged with distributing “tusi,” a drug containing ketamine and MDMA. According to the criminal complaint and indictment, the defendants are alleged to have sold numerous firearms, including with obliterated serial numbers and several high-capacity firearms and magazines and ammunition, to an ATF undercover agent. The case was investigated by ATF, DEA, and HSI, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Twelve firearms and “tusi,” containing ketamine and MDMA, were seized in this ongoing investigation.

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE:

• Five defendants including two alleged associates of TdA or of a TdA splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” have been charged in connection with drug and firearms trafficking. These defendants were arrested in Nashville, Tennessee; Louisiana; and Washington state and are facing several charges including drug trafficking conspiracy, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, firearms trafficking conspiracy, and other drug and gun trafficking offenses. Three of the five defendants are illegal aliens residing in Nashville, a fourth defendant is a Honduran national and lawful permanent resident residing in Nashville, and the fifth defendant is an illegal alien residing in Kennewick, Washington. The indictment and criminal complaint allege that since approximately 2025, the defendants have participated in trafficking in firearms and narcotics throughout the Middle District of Tennessee and elsewhere. HSI, ATF, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and other law enforcement agencies conducted multiple undercover operations that have resulted in the seizure of 25 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, extended magazines, a drum magazine, more than $8,000 cash and seizures of methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, and cocaine in the Middle District of Tennessee, with more firearms and narcotics being seized elsewhere as a result of this investigation. Of the 25 firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee, eight firearms were previously reported as stolen, and two have been tied to other crimes of violence based upon National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) results. Specifically, a Glock .40 caliber pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting in Nashville, that occurred on Nov. 30, 2023. And a Canik 9x19mm pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting involving multiple victims in Nashville, on Sept. 17, 2024.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA:

• A criminal complaint has been filed charging three illegal aliens with alleged ties to TdA, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The three defendants are alleged to be associates of a defendant charged in the Middle District of Tennessee with ties to TdA, who facilitated the sales of large amounts of narcotics and firearms on separate occasions between the three charged defendants and an ATF undercover agent in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. In conjunction with these arrests, ATF agents seized 500 MDMA pills, two firearms, cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine.

TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities include a variety of violent and criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other acts of violence to enforce and further the organization’s criminal activities.

TdA has a splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” — comprised of current and former members of TdA who are operating without or against the authority of TdA leadership in South America. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have been identified and arrested across the United States, including in Colorado, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, Washington, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, and elsewhere. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have also been known to engage in gun trafficking, drug trafficking, burglaries of ATM machines (also known as “ATM jackpotting”), and to coordinate their criminal activities with each other across state lines and with leaders located in South America, including Venezuela and Colombia. These cases are part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded  at the direction of the Attorney General to target Tren de Aragua. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona; as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.  Additionally, the Bureau of Prisons, FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Homeland Security Task Forces are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

Defendant Maikel Jesus Albornoz-Jimenez, a citizen of Venezuela illegally residing in Nashville, charged in the Middle District of Tennessee wearing what appears to be a Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales de la Policía Nacional Bolivariana (FAES) uniform.

These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTFs Denver, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Seattle comprise agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Secret Service, among other federal, state, and local partners, with the prosecutions being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington.

An indictment and criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.