Tren de Aragua Members Indicted for Racketeering and Violent Crimes

Strategic Insights -

Members of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA) have been charged with participating in a racketeering conspiracy and committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering. TdA, a ruthless and violent gang, has been terrorizing New York City streets, causing widespread violence and claiming lives. The indictment charges 10 members of TdA with participating in murders, robberies, sex trafficking, and other crimes in aid of racketeering.

Key Takeaways:

  • 10 members of Tren de Aragua have been charged with participating in a racketeering conspiracy and committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering.
  • The defendants include KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, and MARLON FARIAS, who were charged with participating in the murders of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless on May 24, 2024.
  • GONZALEZ CASTRO was also charged with participating in the shooting of a rival gang member on August 3, 2024, which resulted in an innocent bystander being shot and injured.
  • Six of the 10 defendants were previously charged with racketeering, firearms, drug, and sex trafficking offenses on April 16, 2025.
  • Eight of the defendants are currently in federal custody or state custody, while SILVA-JIMENEZ is at large.
  • The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
  • TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere.
  • The indictment alleges that TdA members and associates committed various crimes, including:

+ Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, and other acts of violence.

+ Enriching the members and associates of TdA through sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and armed robberies.

+ Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA through threats and acts of violence.

+ Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.

  • The indictment also alleges that TdA members and associates transported young women from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. in exchange for debts that the women would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work.

Statistics:

  • 10 members of TdA have been charged with participating in a racketeering conspiracy and committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering.
  • 6 of the 10 defendants were previously charged with racketeering, firearms, drug, and sex trafficking offenses on April 16, 2025.
  • 8 of the defendants are currently in federal custody or state custody.
  • 2 victims, Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless, were murdered on May 24, 2024.
  • 1 innocent bystander was shot and injured on August 3, 2024.
  • 1 victim was shot and injured on September 30, 2024.

Sources:

  • [1] United States Attorney's Office, Department of Justice press release, dated [no date]