The FBI described the arrests as the most significant action so far against the Anti-Tren gang, which is composed largely of former Tren de Aragua (TdA) members. FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams said the group had been responsible for "numerous violent crimes throughout our city, including a mass shooting at a local sports bar that left six people wounded."

High-Stakes Charges

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 14 individuals face charges related to trafficking over five kilograms of cocaine. Two others are charged with weapons offenses, including unlawful sale and possession of firearms. One of the arrested, 25-year-old Venezuelan national Jose Miguel Briceno, is accused of a mass shooting and unlawful possession of ammunition. If convicted, the suspects face penalties ranging from 15 years to life in prison and fines up to $10 million.

DOJ’s National Anti-Gang Strategy

The arrests form part of the DOJ's broader campaign, "Operation Take Back America," which aims to eliminate transnational criminal organizations operating in the U.S. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei stated, “This case implicates both our priorities—border security and the eradication of violent crime.” The initiative now includes efforts against Tren de Aragua and its splinter factions such as Anti-Tren, in addition to longstanding targets like MS-13.