The most senior member of the Tren de Aragua gang to be tried in the U.S. has been extradited from Colombia and is set to appear in a federal court in Houston on charges related to terrorism and drugs, as announced by the Justice Department.
Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, known by his alias “Chuqui,” is accused of orchestrating various illegal operations in Colombia, including narcotics smuggling, extortion, prostitution, and homicide. Federal prosecutors describe him as a pivotal leader within the foreign terrorist organization based in Bogota and a key figure in the upper echelons of the Tren de Aragua hierarchy.
Martinez Flores was apprehended on March 31 pursuant to a warrant issued at the request of U.S. authorities. The Department of Justice confirmed his arrival in Houston, where he is scheduled to make a court appearance on May 15.
A prominent figure from the Tren de Aragua network, accused of directing the group’s illicit enterprises in Colombia, has been transported to the United States, according to a Thursday announcement by the Justice Department. (El Salvador Press Presidency Office/Anadolu)
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the significance of this extradition, stating, “Today’s extradition underscores a strong stance: under President Trump’s leadership, organizations like Tren de Aragua will be pursued and held accountable.” He further noted that the FBI remains committed to utilizing all resources to dismantle violent criminal organizations, curb the influx of drugs into communities, and safeguard the American populace.
Flores is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to TdA in the form of personnel, including himself, and one count of providing material support to the organization.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the extradition shows Tren de Aragua members will be hunted down and brought to justice as the agency works to dismantle violent criminal networks and stop drugs from reaching U.S. communities. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
A federal indictment also alleges an international drug distribution conspiracy based on Flores’ involvement in the distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the U.S.
The Trump administration’s State Department designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on Feb. 20.
The indictment against Flores came after the Trump administration filed its first racketeering charges—also known as RICO charges—against TdA members and its associates in April. These charges include conspiring to commit murder, sex trafficking, assault and drug dealing. Flores now faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.
In December, a federal grand jury in Houston returned a second superseding indictment charging three other TdA leaders: Yohan Jose Romero, 48, Juan Gabriel Rivas Nunez, 45, and Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, 38. They are charged with conspiring to provide and providing material support to TdA.
Mosquera Serrano, who is also on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, is named in the conspiracy and distribution of cocaine charges along with Flores.
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