Trump’s Border Team, NYC Mayor Crack Down on Gang

New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined forces with President Trump’s border team to bring down 27 members of a dangerous Venezuelan gang responsible for trafficking, robbery, and spreading drugs across the city.

Key Takeaways

Federal charges announced against 27 alleged members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, with 21 already in custody
First use of federal racketeering statutes against this violent transnational criminal organization
Gang members smuggled women from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S., forcing them into prostitution
Mayor Adams has partnered with President Trump’s administration despite previous political differences
President Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act to address the threat posed by noncitizen gang members

Landmark Federal Charges Target Violent Venezuelan Gang

In a major crackdown on organized crime, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and President Trump’s border czar Thomas Homan announced federal charges against 27 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang. This Venezuelan criminal organization has been linked to kidnappings, extortion,trafficking, and other violent crimes across the Western Hemisphere. The case marks the first use of federal racketeering charges against this increasingly dangerous street gang that has established a foothold in the United States.

The charges are divided into two separate indictments: one for core Tren de Aragua members and another for an “Anti-Tren” splinter faction. According to prosecutors, the gang smuggled vulnerable women from Venezuela into Peru and the United States, forcing them into prostitution through threats and violence. Additional charges include drug trafficking, robbery, and illegal firearms possession. Currently, 21 of the 27 charged individuals are in custody, with authorities actively searching for the remaining six suspects.

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

Trump Administration’s Tough Approach to Criminal Migrants

President Trump has labeled Tren de Aragua as an invading force and has invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens from countries with which the United States is at war. This aggressive stance against criminal migrants represents a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s border security strategy. Border czar Thomas Homan emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling such criminal organizations, issuing a stark warning to gang members across the country.

“Every member of TDA should be on the run,” declared Thomas Homan during the press conference announcing the charges. “This is what collaboration looks like.”

Among those indicted is Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, who was arrested in January and has been linked to armed robbery incidents that went viral on social media. His case has become emblematic of the challenges posed by transnational gangs operating within American borders and the need for coordinated federal response to address these threats to public safety.

Mayor Adams Aligns with Federal Enforcement Efforts

The announcement highlights the growing collaboration between Mayor Adams and the Trump administration, following the recent dismissal of federal corruption charges against Adams. Despite their political differences, both leaders have found common ground in addressing the threat posed by violent criminal organizations. Adams has expressed support for allowing federal immigration officials to operate at Rikers Island jail, though this plan has been temporarily halted by a City Council lawsuit.

“The question that we must answer: whose side are you on?” Mayor Adams asked pointedly during the press conference, rejecting criticism of the enforcement actions. “These are not law-abiding immigrants who came here for the American dream.”

This partnership between New York City and federal authorities represents a significant shift in how sanctuary cities are approaching immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The successful operation against Tren de Aragua demonstrates the effectiveness of coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in targeting criminal organizations that victimize immigrant communities and threaten public safety.