The Government Declared the Venezuelan Group 'tren De Aragua' a Terrorist Organization.

What the Tren de Aragua is and how it operates

The Tren de Aragua was born in 2014 in the Tocorón prison, in the state of Aragua, Venezuela. Over time, it became the largest criminal structure in South America, compared to the powerful Central American maras.

The gang was formed under the leadership of Héctor Guerrero, alias "El Niño Guerrero," along with other leaders. Since his escape in 2023, its network has expanded to different countries, taking advantage of the Venezuelan migration crisis.

How the Tren de Aragua is financed

The group generates income through kidnappings, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Additionally, it extorts merchants and exploits migrants in vulnerable situations.

The United States also considers it a threat

The Argentine Government's decision follows the lead of the United States, which had already identified the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. From Washington, they warn that the group is a danger to the region's stability.

The Government formalized the declaration of the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, a decision that follows the United States' lead. The measure was published in the Official Gazette with the signature of the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich.

Resolution 186/2025 based the decision on classified reports confirming that the group represents "a serious and multifaceted threat" to national security. It is linked to crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, kidnappings, and extortion, among others.

Why the Government made this decision

The Tren de Aragua uses terror as a tool for its crimes. Its actions have spread throughout South America, and in recent years its presence has been detected in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

The Government emphasized that organized crime is "a serious threat to security and public order". It demands immediate responses and coordinated strategies.

What it means to be considered a terrorist group

The Tren de Aragua was included in the Public Registry of Persons and Entities linked to Acts of Terrorism and its Financing (RePET). This enables a series of measures to pursue and dismantle its networks in the country.

Among the planned actions are the blocking of financial assets, international cooperation for its pursuit, and the possibility of applying more severe penalties to those who collaborate with the organization.