DENVER — Federal prosecutors believe they’ve dismantled part of a drug, gun, and sex trafficking operation run, at least for several months, out of a Denver apartment complex and linked to the notorious Venezuelan-born gang Tren de Aragua. This week, law enforcement arrested seven individuals across two states, with indications of ties to the TdA.
According to 9NEWS Investigates, which reviewed the details of the criminal complaint just filed in U.S. District Court, the complaint names only one person out of the seven arrested: Jose Manuel Guerra-Caballero, 36, who was apprehended in Indiana on Wednesday. The other six suspects were arrested simultaneously in Colorado.
The complaint outlines numerous gun purchases initiated by a confidential informant starting back in November at the Ivy Crossing Apartments located at East Harvard Avenue and Quebec Street in southeast Denver. Undercover agents reportedly bought at least eight firearms from the suspects during five separate purchases, with the last acquisition occurring just one week ago. During these transactions, the sellers allegedly also offered "Tusi," commonly referred to as "pink cocaine," according to court documents.
Details from the complaint disclose Guerra-Caballero's supposed connection with the TdA gang. Undercover officers conveyed reports where Guerra-Caballero "explained" he could provide women for parties, adding they could do whatever they wished with the females once purchased. There were discussions about the officers bringing women to Wyoming for sex services with oil field workers. The situation escalated to culminate in an ATF-supported sting operation on Wednesday, when undercover agents initiated the façade of purchasing ten pounds of meth at a concealed Colorado location. Us Attorney's Office later announced the arrest of Guerra-Caballero as part of this coordinated effort.
The arrests do not end there. On the same day, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed operations leading to the apprehension of two illegal migrants allegedly running drugs and narcotics operations across Maryland and Georgia. These arrests happened just one day following the Queens District Attorney’s office indictment of ten TdA gang members and their associates for related criminal endeavors across New York City.
HSI Baltimore showcased on its X account images of one of the apprehended migrants with chains wrapped around his waist, being escorted by two HSI agents. The agency did not disclose the identities of these illegal immigrants but confirmed they confiscated over 30 weapons as part of this operation.
Officials emphasized the Maryland and Georgia bust was part of a collaborative effort involving HSI Atlanta, ATF's Baltimore field division, and local law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the New York operation revealed authorities had taken eight illegal immigrants, all tied to extensive arms and drug trafficking networks operating across at least six states, custody.
Prosecutor reports mentioned plans by these suspects to expand their operations internationally, particularly targeting Colombia. A cache containing 34 illegal firearms, which included AR-15 assault rifles and modify-triggered Glock 9mm handguns, was confiscated from the gang members, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
All ten members indicted were identified as migrants from Venezuela, entering the country illegally through the southern border. This subgroup, which purportedly consisted of two Venezuelan nationals, arrived to New York City approximately two years ago. They quickly established operations involving firearms and drugs, recruiting additional foreign nationals to help expand their criminal activities.
Reports also indicate the violence associated with this gang, illustrated during one incident where one of the TdA members broke the arm of a police officer. Those associated with this assault will face additional charges. Immigration authorities have ramped up efforts targeting violent illegal immigrants, especially since former President Donald Trump took office.
The federal government is not only intensifying the scrutiny surrounding illegal immigrants but also cracking down on burgeoning transnational criminal enterprises like the Tren de Aragua gang. The recent spate of operations makes plain the commitment of authorities to address the multifaceted influence these organizations exert.