The Florida Highway Patrol and federal authorities have apprehended individuals believed to be affiliated with the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.
Law enforcement agencies, including FHP, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations, carried out coordinated operations in Tallahassee. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials confirmed that multiple arrests were made during these operations.
The suspected gang members were detained on charges of weapon smuggling conspiracy, criminal gang affiliation, warrants, and unlawful entry into the United States, according to officials.
This morning, FHP and our federal partners @HSI_HQ and @ICEgov
completed dual operations in Tallahassee, detaining suspected Tren De Aruaga members on suspicion of weapon smuggling conspiracy, criminal gang affiliation, warrants, and illegal entry to the U.S. pic.twitter.com/X5D1P0zLQH— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) February 3, 2025
The Aragua Train, also known as Tren de Aragua in Spanish, had its roots in a prison in Venezuela. Over time, it has grown and spread its influence across the United States, as well as countries in Central and South America, such as Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. This criminal organization engages in a wide range of illegal activities, including murder, drug and human trafficking, sex crimes, extortion, and various other offenses.
On Sunday, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) provided assistance to federal authorities in their efforts to enforce immigration laws in Fort Myers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Friday that the state has entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. Under this agreement, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers will now be responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
DeSantis has made a commitment to support President Donald Trump’s efforts in enforcing immigration laws. He has taken it a step further by proposing a special legislative session to address immigration enforcement measures.
Republican legislative leaders have defied DeSantis by rejecting his proposals and instead passing their own immigration bill. In response, DeSantis has made it clear that he will veto the bill, describing it as “watered-down.”