Federal agents in California arrested a Venezuelan national allegedly linked to the violent Tren de Aragua gang, following a multi-agency investigation that uncovered immigration violations and possible ties to transnational terrorism.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

An illegal alien from Venezuela, identified as a suspected leader of the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, was arrested last week in Los Angeles County, according to officials cited by Fox News.

The man, known as Yonaiker Gallegos, had reportedly used the alias “Yoniaker Rafel Martinez-Ramos” and was already in local custody in connection to allegations involving blank checks and a fraudulent government identification. He is now being held on immigration charges.

In a statement posted to social media by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, agents confirmed the arrest was part of an operation involving HSI’s National Gang Unit. Officials said they used tattoo analysis and facial recognition tools to verify Gallegos’ identity.

According to a senior official quoted in a Fox News post by reporter Bill Melugin, Gallegos was apprehended on April 25 for Title 8 violations and has been “identified as a leader of TDA based in California.”

Images shared by Melugin show Gallegos displaying tattoos associated with the gang, and a video appears to show him wielding a firearm and holding a hand grenade, with additional grenades suspended from a necklace. The video clip remains under review by federal authorities.

The arrest comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Gallegos was in custody. In February, the U.S. Department of State designated the Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The gang, originally from Venezuela, now operates across South America with reported activities in Colombia, Peru, Chile, and beyond. U.S. authorities have documented its involvement in kidnapping, extortion, bribery, assassinations, and threats against law enforcement.

The news follows a report from the FBI stating that elements of the Venezuelan government may be deploying TdA members as proxies to destabilize foreign nations, including the United States, under the regime of Nicolás Maduro.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to face court challenges over its enforcement of deportations against Venezuelan nationals suspected of TdA affiliation. These actions are being pursued under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, according to Breitbart News.