Border Czar, NYC Mayor Announce Major Gang Indictments

Man in orange jumpsuit stands in courtroom facing judge

Federal officials and NYC Mayor Eric Adams have dealt a major blow to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, announcing criminal charges against 27 members involved in trafficking, drug distribution, and violent crimes across the city.

Key Takeaways

Federal racketeering charges were announced against 27 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in New York City, with 21 already in custody
The gang is accused of smuggling women from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S., forcing them into prostitution through threats of violence
President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and NYC Mayor Eric Adams presented a united front, with Adams supporting federal immigration enforcement despite city council opposition
The indictment marks the first federal RICO case against Tren de Aragua, with charges including trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, and illegal firearms possession
The collaboration comes after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens from countries the U.S. is at war with

Historic Joint Announcement

President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined federal prosecutors Tuesday to announce a sweeping indictment against members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The announcement marks the first-ever federal racketeering case brought against the Venezuelan criminal organization that has established a growing presence in the United States. The charges target 27 alleged gang members, with 21 already in custody and 6 still at large.

The collaborative effort between city officials and the Trump administration comes at a significant moment as the president continues his tough stance on immigration enforcement. Homan, who heads President Trump’s border initiatives, emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations that entered during the previous administration’s border policies.

President Donald Trump’s border czar joined New York City’s mayor on Tuesday to tout new federal charges against 27 people accused of being Tren de Aragua gang members and associates. https://t.co/Hpm4o8Zikc

— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) April 23, 2025

Trafficking and Violent Crimes

According to the indictments, Tren de Aragua and a splinter group called “Anti-Tren” engaged in multiple serious criminal activities throughout New York City. Prosecutors detailed how the gang smuggled women from Venezuela into Peru and the United States, forcing them into prostitution through threats and violence. Other charges include drug trafficking, robbery, and illegal firearms possession, painting a picture of a sophisticated criminal enterprise.

“Every member of TDA should be on the run,” said Thomas Homan during the announcement. “This is what collaboration looks like.”

Among those indicted is Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, arrested in January 2025, whose case gained attention after videos of armed robberies circulated online. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described the gang as having “terrorized communities” across New York City, with victims primarily from immigrant communities. The charges carry potential sentences of up to life imprisonment for some of the accused.

Political Implications and Enforcement Debate

The joint appearance by Homan and Adams signals a shift in New York City’s approach to federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Adams, recently cleared of unrelated federal corruption charges, has taken a harder line on immigration enforcement than many of his Democratic counterparts. He has supported allowing federal immigration officials to operate at Rikers Island jail, though a New York judge temporarily halted those plans following a lawsuit from the City Council.

“The question that we must answer: whose side are you on?” Mayor Adams stated firmly during the announcement.

President Trump has specifically labeled Tren de Aragua as an invading force and recently invoked the Alien Enemies Act, which allows for deportation of noncitizens from countries with which the United States is at war. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison, has expanded its criminal activities across multiple countries in the Western Hemisphere, engaging in kidnappings, extortion, and various violent crimes. Law enforcement officials warn that the remaining fugitives are considered dangerous, with a nationwide search underway.