Former President Donald Trump recently announced on Truth Social that an agreement has been reached with Venezuela to repatriate Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in the United States. This includes members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Trump stated that Venezuela has also agreed to provide transportation for the individuals returning to their country of origin. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to remove record numbers of undocumented immigrants from various countries, highlighting agreements with these nations to facilitate their return.
This image, released by the Venezuelan presidential press office, depicts President Nicolás Maduro and Richard Grenell, Trump's special envoy, during their meeting in Caracas on January 31, 2025. Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, is also visible in the background.
This agreement follows a meeting between Trump's special envoy, Ric Grenell, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The meeting's objective was to discuss the repatriation of Venezuelan criminals deported from the United States. Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. special envoy to Latin America, indicated that Grenell's message to Maduro was clear: Venezuela must accept the return of all Venezuelan criminals and Tren de Aragua gang members without conditions.
The Tren de Aragua gang's presence has been documented across the U.S. in recent years, coinciding with a surge in illegal immigration. A widely circulated video purportedly shows suspected TdA members seizing control of an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, where they reportedly subjected residents to months of intimidation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released this video still showing the apprehension of a suspected Tren de Aragua member near Denver, Colorado.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem participated in immigration raids in New York City, where authorities encountered a suspected TdA member allegedly attempting to acquire grenades. Noem questioned the individual’s motive for possessing such a weapon.
Two other individuals suspected of being TdA members face charges related to the murder of a 12-year-old girl. They are accused of sexually assaulting and subsequently killing the victim, whose body was discovered beneath a bridge.
This image shows the location of New York City raids where several suspected Tren de Aragua gang members were apprehended.
In addition to the repatriation agreement, Grenell's visit to Venezuela also resulted in the release of six American citizens. These individuals accompanied Grenell on his return flight to the U.S.
