Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, made headlines on February 20, 2025, by alleging connections between former U.S. President Joe Biden and the notorious Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua. Speaking during a government event, Maduro demanded his successor, Donald Trump, investigate what he termed as the gang's links to the American government. According to the report from EFE, Maduro stated, "I respectfully say to President Donald Trump to request the reports of the last four years from the FBI and the DEA... to see who financed and moved Tren de Aragua."
Maduro’s claims come amid the U.S. government designations declaring Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, which has raised questions about its origin and operations. He suggested the gang was once supported by U.S. agencies, asserting it aimed to "bring terrorism" to Venezuela from its operations based out of Colombia.
While speaking about the supposed terrorist threats posed by Tren de Aragua, which he referred to as the "extinct Tren de Aragua," Maduro urged Trump to examine reports he claimed would prove the gang's U.S. ties. He argued, "If something can be said about the terrorism of Tren de Aragua... it is we who stopped it with intelligence and action. President Trump, ask for these reports to see the truth about the famous Tren de Aragua."
The Venezuelan regime’s narrative positions the U.S. as the antagonist, with Maduro claiming the gang was at one point utilized by foreign agencies "with terrorist and destabilizing purposes against Venezuela's institutions." Such allegations reflect longstanding tensions between the two nations, especially as the U.S. administration has ramped up actions against Venezuelan gangs and organized crime.
On the same day, the Venezuelan government issued statements claiming Tren de Aragua had been effectively dismantled due to the "firm and sustained action by security bodies and the Venezuelan judiciary." This assertion was part of the official response to the U.S. designation, emphasizing Maduro's continued control and influence over Venezuela’s law enforcement and judicial systems.
Adding another layer to the saga, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported earlier this month nearly 200 Venezuelans with ties to Tren de Aragua were deported after being held at Guantanamo Bay. Amongst the deportees, 126 have criminal charges or convictions, including 80 involved with the gang. A spokesperson clarified the majority fell under criminal investigations carried out by U.S. authorities. Yet, Maduro's administration countered these claims, with Diosdado Cabello, a high-ranking official, asserting, "The group arriving this week are not criminals... they were people who emigrated as a result of [U.S.] sanctions."
Maduro’s government is now facing significant scrutiny as it continues to paint the U.S. as responsible for destabilizing Venezuela through alleged support of criminal activities. This tactic attempts to distract from domestic challenges, including economic strife and widespread discontent with the regime's governance.
The tensions surrounding Tren de Aragua highlight the complex interplay of crime, politics, and diplomacy, particularly as the U.S. has labeled several foreign groups, including the infamous Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), as terrorist organizations. This designation allows the U.S. government to impose financial sanctions, block bank accounts, and increase law enforcement actions against these organizations.
Despite these developments, neither the Biden administration nor Trump has officially commented on Maduro's latest accusations. The outcomes of such allegations and the designations could have far-reaching consequences for both Venezuelan and American foreign relations.
Overall, accusations of U.S. ties to Tren de Aragua may resonate within Venezuela as part of Maduro's broader narrative of external threats. It remains to be seen how these claims will impact regional stability and the Venezuelan population's response to both their government and the U.S.'s growing interventionist posture. The true nature of the connections between the U.S. and Tren de Aragua continue to be contested ground within the politically charged atmosphere of Venezuela.