July 28, 2025, 18:00 EDT

A quiet transformation is unfolding in northern Chile. In the border city of Arica, a team of prosecutors and investigators is dismantling one of Latin America’s most feared criminal organizations—Tren de Aragua—not through brute force, but through strategic prosecutions, digital forensics, and a deep understanding of transnational organized crime.

Their work is revealing the sophisticated inner workings of a gang that has spread across South America, fueled by Venezuela’s migration crisis and regional instability. As other governments crack down with mass deportations or militarized policing, Chile’s methodical approach is offering a rare success story.

Chile becomes a frontline in Latin America’s organized crime crisis

Once one of the region’s most peaceful nations, Chile has become a new battleground in the fight against organized crime. Tren de Aragua, a gang that originated in Venezuela, expanded into Chile around 2021, exploiting the flow of migrants and the country’s lack of experience with transnational mafias.

The gang quickly established roots in Arica’s shantytowns, notably in Cerro Chuño, an area that had once been a toxic waste site. Here, gang members extorted local businesses, engaged in human trafficking, and even constructed torture chambers.

Despite Chile’s reputation for low corruption and strong democratic institutions, it was unprepared for the surge in violence. Between 2019 and 2022, homicides in Arica rose by over 200%, according to local prosecutor Mario Carrera.

Detailed records reveal a criminal corporation, not just a street gang

Police raids on gang hideouts in Arica turned up a trove of documents—spreadsheets written in blue ink that meticulously recorded every financial transaction. These included small expenses like $9 for coffee and $15 for rides, but also detailed salary structures, earnings from sex trafficking, and bonuses for hitmen.

These records, obtained and reviewed by The Associated Press, offered unprecedented insight into Tren de Aragua’s structure. According to prosecutor Bruno Hernández and his team, the gang operated like a multinational company, with a clear hierarchy and decentralized branches that still adhered to central leadership principles.

“We had to prove not only that they committed crimes,” said legal assistant Esperanza Amor, “but that there was a structure and pattern. Otherwise, they would’ve been treated like common criminals.”

A legal breakthrough: Chile’s first major convictions against the gang

In March 2024, after years of investigative work, Chilean prosecutors achieved a legal milestone. Thirty-four gang members were convicted in Arica on charges including aggravated homicide, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of minors. Earlier this month, a dozen more leaders were sentenced to a combined 300 years in prison.

The convictions came without cooperation from most of the accused. Prosecutors relied heavily on financial records and intercepted communications, sometimes decoded with the help of drone surveillance. They even deciphered the gang’s emoji-based code: a snake meant “traitor,” a pineapple indicated a safehouse, and a cloud warned of impending police raids.

As a result, Arica’s homicide rate fell sharply in 2023—from 17 to 9.9 homicides per 100,000 people, according to government statistics.

Migrants, violence, and a network that spans continents

Tren de Aragua’s rise across South America coincided with the collapse of Venezuela’s economy. As millions fled, some fell prey to smugglers and criminal networks. The gang exploited these migration flows to expand into Colombia, Peru, and eventually Chile.

Héctor Guerrero Flores, also known as “Niño Guerrero,” is believed to have directed operations from Venezuela. His lieutenants took over human smuggling routes and set up operations in cities like Arica, where desperate migrants live in vulnerable conditions.

In Chile, the gang’s main revenue sources included smuggling, sex trafficking, and extortion. Court documents described gruesome tactics: dismemberment of enemies, torture of defectors, and routine threats made by phone from inside prisons.

A global contrast: Deportation versus prosecution

While Chile’s slow, methodical legal strategy shows promise, other countries have chosen different paths. In the United States, the Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group and used its presence to justify increased deportations.

Some experts argue that approach misses the bigger picture.

“With the U.S. snatching guys off the streets, they’re taking out the tip of the iceberg,” said Daniel Brunner, a former FBI agent and president of Brunner Sierra Group, a security consultancy. “They’re not looking at how the group operates.”

Brunner and others warn that without investigations and international cooperation, criminal networks adapt and continue to function, often from within detention centers.

A city still haunted—and a country still debating

Despite progress in courtrooms, the gang’s influence hasn’t vanished. Prosecutor Hernández said some extortion calls still come from prison phones. The challenge now is monitoring how Tren de Aragua’s jailed members may regroup.

“Organized crime will always adapt,” Hernández noted. “We need to stay ahead.”

Public anxiety remains high. National homicide rates are down, but fear persists. Many Chileans now support more hardline policies—mirroring what’s been seen in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele.

Far-right presidential candidate José Antonio Kast, currently leading in the polls, has vowed to deport undocumented migrants and build a border barrier. His rhetoric echoes Donald Trump’s policies and resonates with older Chileans like 70-year-old Maria Peña Gonzalez.

“You can’t walk at night like you could before,” she said from outside a church in Arica. “Chile has changed since different types of people started arriving.”

What comes next for Chile and Latin America?

As Latin America grapples with the growth of organized crime, Arica’s case offers a potential model—though not an easy one to replicate. Its success hinges on local cooperation, data-driven investigation, and international intelligence sharing.

Ignacio Castillo, director of organized crime at Chile’s public prosecutor’s office, said the Arica unit “did something that had never been done in Chile.”

Their work may not grab global headlines the way military crackdowns do, but it could prove more sustainable in the long term.

As democracy is tested across the region, and criminal networks grow more complex, Chile’s careful and coordinated approach might be the region’s best shot at disrupting the new face of organized crime.

Source: AP News – A small team of investigators confronts the transnational gang terrorizing Chile

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El Salvador’s controversial mega-prison, a symbol of President Nayib Bukele’s harsh anti-crime policies, has now become a tool in U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. On Sunday, hundreds of immigrants—alleged by the U.S. to be members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang—were transferred to the facility under a $6 million agreement between the two governments.

What is the CECOT?

The Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) was built at Bukele’s direction as part of his aggressive crackdown on gangs. Opened in 2023, the prison is located in Tecoluca, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) east of El Salvador’s capital.

CECOT is a massive facility with eight pavilions, capable of holding up to 40,000 inmates. Each cell is designed to fit between 65 to 70 prisoners. Unlike traditional prisons, CECOT does not allow visitations, outdoor recreation, or educational programs.

Prisoners at CECOT are not prepared for reintegration into society. Occasionally, a select few inmates—who have gained trust from prison officials—deliver motivational talks, with prisoners sitting in rows outside their cells or performing supervised exercises.

Bukele’s justice minister has stated that inmates at CECOT will never return to their communities. The prison’s amenities, including dining halls, break rooms, and a gym, are reserved exclusively for the guards.

How Many Prisoners Does El Salvador Hold?

The Salvadoran government does not frequently update incarceration figures. However, the human rights organization Cristosal reported that as of March 2024, El Salvador held approximately 110,000 people behind bars—more than double the 36,000 inmates recorded in April 2021 before Bukele intensified his anti-gang efforts.

Cristosal and other advocacy groups have raised concerns about human rights abuses. Reports indicate that at least 261 people have died in El Salvador’s prisons since the gang crackdown began. Allegations of abuse, torture, and lack of medical care have also been cited.

Government-released videos have shown CECOT prisoners in boxer shorts, forced to march in formation and sit shoulder-to-shoulder in overcrowded areas. Cells reportedly lack adequate bunks, leaving many inmates to sleep on the floor.

Why Were Immigrants Sent to CECOT?

The transfer of these immigrants to CECOT follows Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law historically used only three times. The act grants the president extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners under wartime conditions. Trump argued that the Tren de Aragua gang was invading the U.S., justifying the deportations under wartime authority.

Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that originated in Venezuela’s lawless prison system, expanded as millions of Venezuelans fled economic collapse. However, the Trump administration has not provided evidence that the deported migrants are actual gang members or that they committed crimes in the U.S.

El Salvador’s government released a video showing the immigrants arriving at an airport, escorted by officers in riot gear. Shackled at the hands and ankles, they were seen struggling to walk as officers forced them to bend at the waist. The footage later showed them being transported in a heavily guarded convoy to CECOT, where they were shaved, dressed in the prison’s all-white uniform, and placed into cells.

The Bigger Picture

El Salvador’s tough-on-crime approach has drawn both praise and criticism. While Bukele’s policies have significantly reduced gang-related violence, human rights organizations warn of potential abuses, mass incarcerations without due process, and inhumane prison conditions.

Trump’s decision to deport immigrants to CECOT raises further ethical and legal concerns. Critics argue that using such a facility for immigration enforcement—without clear evidence of criminal activity—sets a dangerous precedent. As the situation unfolds, the global community will be watching closely to see how both administrations handle the consequences of this unprecedented move.

Source: AP News – What to know about El Salvador’s mega-prison after Trump sent hundreds of immigrants there

The post Inside El Salvador’s Harsh Mega-Prison: What Happens to Trump’s Deported Immigrants? appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Trump administration has confirmed the deportation of hundreds of individuals after President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime authority. This move, aimed at accelerating the deportation of alleged criminals associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, comes despite a federal judge’s order temporarily blocking its use.

Federal Court Blocks Deportations, But Flights Continue

On Saturday evening, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act. The judge also ordered planes carrying some of the deported migrants to return to the U.S. The restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days or until further notice.

However, the administration proceeded with the deportations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that nearly 300 members of Tren de Aragua were arrested over the weekend. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Sunday that hundreds of violent criminals had already been deported before the court’s ruling took effect.

El Salvador’s Role in Housing Deported Criminals

Rubio also thanked El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, for agreeing to imprison the deported individuals. He noted that Bukele had requested the return of two MS-13 gang leaders and 21 Salvadoran nationals held in the U.S. to face justice in their homeland.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio announced that the U.S. had deported:

• Two top MS-13 leaders
• 21 high-priority criminals
• Over 250 members of Tren de Aragua to El Salvador.

Bukele later confirmed the arrival of the deportees and their transfer to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, where they will be detained for one year. Sharing a video of the handcuffed prisoners, Bukele mocked the U.S. court’s decision, posting “oopsie…too late.” Rubio reshared the post.

Legal & Political Fallout

Despite the court’s ruling, the timeline of deportation flights remains unclear. CNN has reached out to the State Department and White House for further details on when the planes departed.

Republican Senator Mike Rounds defended the administration, stating on CNN’s State of the Union that he expects the executive branch to “follow the law.” However, when pressed on whether the administration may have violated the court order, he responded, “We don’t know if that happened that way.”

Rounds expressed support for using every legal tool to deport alleged criminals, adding, “Most Americans will say, ‘I don’t care how old the law is. If you can use it to get these guys out and keep my family safe, we’re going to do it.’”

Democratic Response & Concerns

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategy, warning of its potential consequences.

“All of us within the Democratic Party oppose illegal immigration. We believe that if you’re a violent felon, you should be deported. But we also can’t go down this road that the Trump administration is taking us on—potentially deporting American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and breaking up law-abiding immigrant families who contribute to this country,” Jeffries stated.

Jeffries emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform instead of what he described as Trump’s extreme measures.

Erik Prince’s Alleged Role in Deportation Agreements

CNN previously reported that Erik Prince, a Trump ally and founder of the private military company Blackwater, had been in contact with Bukele since last year regarding accepting undocumented migrants from the U.S. in the event of a Trump presidency.

What’s Next?

As legal battles continue, the Trump administration remains defiant, pressing forward with its deportation policies. Meanwhile, the court ruling temporarily halting the use of the Alien Enemies Act is set to expire in 14 days, leaving the next steps uncertain.

The controversy underscores the broader debate on immigration enforcement, executive power, and the role of international cooperation in managing migration and crime. With political and legal challenges mounting, this issue is far from over.

Source: CNN – Trump administration deports hundreds under Alien Enemies Act despite judge’s pause

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Invoking the Alien Enemies Act

On Saturday, President Trump declared that the United States is facing an invasion by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. To address this threat, he invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law historically used during wartime to detain and deport foreign nationals deemed a threat to national security.

Historical Context of the Act

The Alien Enemies Act grants the president authority to detain and deport non-citizens from hostile nations without due process. Notably, it was used during World War II to justify the internment of Japanese Americans. This marks the first time in decades that the act has been invoked, raising concerns among civil liberties organizations.

Immediate Legal Challenges

Hours after the proclamation, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the deportation of five Venezuelan nationals under the act. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that the act cannot be applied to individuals from countries with which the U.S. is not officially at war. They contend that using this law circumvents established immigration procedures and due process rights.

Government’s Stance

The Trump administration maintains that the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act is a necessary response to the security threat posed by Tren de Aragua. By designating its members as enemy aliens, the administration seeks to expedite their removal from the country to protect national security.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The temporary restraining order is effective for 14 days, during which further hearings will determine the legality of using the Alien Enemies Act in this context. This legal battle underscores the tension between national security measures and the protection of individual civil liberties.

As the situation develops, it highlights the complexities of addressing modern security threats within the framework of laws enacted centuries ago.

Source: Trump invokes 18th century law to speed deportations, judge stalls it hours later

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In an unprecedented move, El Salvador has agreed to house violent US criminals and accept deportees of any nationality, officials from both countries revealed on Monday. This deal with the Trump administration has raised alarms among critics and human rights organizations.

Key Details of the Agreement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deal following a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Rubio, on a trip to Central America to further Trump’s migration agenda, called the agreement “extraordinary” and “unprecedented.” The deal’s provisions include:

• Deportees and Criminals: El Salvador will continue accepting Salvadorans who were deported from the US for illegal entry. Additionally, the country has agreed to accept any deported criminal—regardless of nationality—including members of notorious transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. These criminals will be housed in Salvadoran prisons.
• Housing US Criminals: Bukele has also agreed to house dangerous criminals with US citizenship or legal residency in El Salvador’s prisons. This would include individuals incarcerated in the US who are then sent to El Salvador.

Bukele confirmed the agreement on social media, noting that El Salvador is willing to accept only convicted criminals into its mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee. He emphasized that the fee would be significant enough to support El Salvador’s prison system, but relatively low for the US.

Potential Legal and Ethical Concerns

While the deal has sparked outrage among rights groups, questions remain about the legality and implications of such a proposal.

• Deporting US Citizens: A key issue is whether the US can legally deport its own citizens. Critics argue that deporting US nationals to a foreign country could violate international laws and agreements related to migrants’ rights.
• Human Rights Concerns: Human rights advocates have condemned the deal, with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) calling it “a sad day for America.” LULAC’s National President Roman Palomares emphasized that migrants should not be treated like commodities moved between countries.
• Unprecedented and Risky Proposal: Mneesha Gellman, a professor at Emerson College, described the deal as a bizarre arrangement between two authoritarian leaders. She argued that such a proposal would violate international norms and potentially damage the rights of migrants.

El Salvador’s Legal Context: The Mega-Prisons

One of the most concerning aspects of the agreement is the state of El Salvador’s prison system. Under Bukele’s administration, the country has experienced a sharp increase in incarcerations, many of which are based on suspicion rather than conviction. The government’s state of emergency, enacted in 2022, allows authorities to detain anyone suspected of being involved in gangs, including those not found guilty of any crime.

El Salvador’s prison conditions have been heavily criticized. The US State Department has issued warnings about the harsh conditions within Salvadoran jails, where prisoners reportedly lack access to basic rights, including due process.

A Strained Relationship with Transnational Gangs

El Salvador’s crackdowns on gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua have earned praise from the Trump administration, which views these gangs as major threats to US safety. Trump has frequently used these groups to justify his hardline immigration policies.

The US has recently targeted MS-13 and Tren de Aragua in raids, calling them destabilizing forces within the Western Hemisphere. Last month, Trump signed an executive order that specifically named these gangs, citing their violence and terror as a justification for harsher immigration enforcement.

On a recent visit to Latin America, US Special Envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone hinted that the deal would also involve sending members of Tren de Aragua back to Venezuela—although the logistics of this remain unclear.

Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown

This deal aligns with the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on immigration. The US government has ramped up efforts to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants, while stripping protections for those already residing in the country.

The El Salvador agreement is seen as part of a larger effort to push “safe third country” arrangements, where asylum seekers are sent to countries like El Salvador, even if they are not from there. Trump has previously threatened trade actions against countries that refuse to accept deported nationals, further solidifying the deal’s controversial nature.

This development comes on the heels of an agreement with Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has agreed to accept Venezuelan deportees—including gang members. This is a notable shift in policy after years of frosty relations between the US and Venezuela.

Ongoing Controversies

While the deal may offer a solution to some of the Trump administration’s concerns about violent gang activity, it has ignited fierce criticism from human rights organizations, political leaders, and scholars. Critics argue that such arrangements could lead to further violations of international law, undermine the rights of deported migrants, and pave the way for more authoritarian tactics in immigration enforcement.

As the US government continues to face mounting pressure on its immigration policies, this deal marks a significant shift in how it plans to manage the deportation of criminals and migrants. However, it remains to be seen whether it will move forward or encounter serious legal and diplomatic obstacles.

Source

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