In a move aimed at disrupting the operations of a notorious Foreign Terrorist Organization, the United States government has imposed sanctions on key members and leaders of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a group responsible for a campaign of terror throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The Department of State, through its Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, announced on July 17, 2025, that it was designating Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “Niño Guerrero”, as a major target. Guerrero has been involved in criminal activities for over two decades and currently serves as the leader of TdA, expanding the group’s influence through extortion, bribery, and terrorism. The US government is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
Five additional key leaders and affiliates were also targeted by the sanctions. Yohan Jose Romero, alias “Johan Petrica”, one of TdA’s co-founders and a close Guerrero lieutenant, was designated as a major target, with a reward of up to $4 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. Other TdA leaders are implicated in serious crimes such as illicit drug trade, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation of women and children, and money laundering.
This move follows the recent designation of TdA as an FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the US government. The United States is committed to eliminating threats from groups like TdA to keep its citizens safe.
The sanctions are part of a broader effort to disrupt the activities of transnational organized crime groups, including those responsible for terrorism and other serious crimes. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) manages the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, which offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of key suspects.
The designation of TdA as an FTO and SDGT is a significant step in the US government’s efforts to counter terrorism and organized crime. The action underscores the commitment of the United States to protecting its national security and upholding its values of justice, democracy, and human rights.
In conclusion, the sanctions imposed on Tren de Aragua are a crucial blow to the group’s operations and demonstrate the determination of the US government to disrupt the activities of terrorist organizations and transnational crime groups.
about today’s designation, please see Treasury’s press release.