On January 21, 2025, Donald Trump was officially inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, taking over from Joe Biden. One of his stated priorities is the fight against drug cartels, with a specific focus on the Venezuelan organization known as Tren de Aragua.
On the official White House website, Trump outlined his administration's priorities under the section 'Make America Safe Again,' dedicating a segment to combating criminal cartels. He announced plans to designate cartels, including Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, utilizing the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate their removal.
Tren de Aragua, originating from Venezuela, is recognized as one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Latin America, with operations extending into several countries, including parts of the United States. The cartel is led by Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as 'Niño Guerrero,' who has been involved in organized crime since the early 2000s.
The organization, initially formed as a workers' group, has evolved into an international syndicate notorious for extreme violence and crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, forced prostitution, kidnappings, and extortion.
Trump's approach to combating cartels is not new; he had previously announced a radical stance against them before assuming office. His strategy includes classifying these organizations as foreign terrorist entities to enable military operations, sanctions, and targeted actions against their leadership abroad.
This initiative is also linked to Trump's stringent immigration policies, which involve deportations and the expansion of border security measures, all while invoking the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate the arrest and deportation of foreign nationals.