Feds Capture Criminal Illegal Alien Gang Members in Major Sweep [WATCH]

A coordinated federal law enforcement operation across the Washington, D.C. metro area resulted in the arrests of 15 suspected gang members tied to the violent international organizations Tren de Aragua and MS-13.

The arrests are part of an immigration enforcement initiative led by the Trump administration targeting some of the most dangerous illegal immigrants in the country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the arrests to the Washington Examiner, stating that the two-week operation was focused on removing criminal offenders affiliated with gangs known for human smuggling, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.

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“These arrests send a clear message: Under the Trump administration, gang members and criminals will find no sanctuary in our nation’s capital,” CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham said in a statement.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating threats and restoring safety to our communities.”

The arrests come roughly 60 days into President Donald Trump’s second term as his administration begins implementing what it has described as the “largest-ever” deportation campaign in U.S. history.

The effort is currently focused on targeting individuals affiliated with transnational gangs and those who entered the country illegally during the prior administration.

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The recent operation was carried out with support from several federal agencies, including the Border Patrol’s Special Operations Group, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) National Gang Unit, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Arrests were made throughout northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Officials involved in the operation said it specifically targeted gang activity with connections to foreign terrorism and transnational crime.

Tren de Aragua, in particular, has been linked to extensive human trafficking and drug operations stretching from the southern U.S. border to urban centers across the country.

The 15 individuals arrested during the enforcement action now face criminal or immigration proceedings, or both.

CBP has not confirmed whether the detainees will be deported immediately under the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump activated last weekend to fast-track the removal of suspected Tren de Aragua affiliates.

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) transported other Tren de Aragua members out of the country on deportation flights to El Salvador.

Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable).

The United States will pay a very low fee for them,… pic.twitter.com/tfsi8cgpD6

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 16, 2025

The deportations took place despite a federal ruling from Judge James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who issued a temporary block on their removal.

Judge Boasberg’s ruling paused the implementation of the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, halting several deportation flights mid-route.

The action has drawn criticism from President Trump and several House Republicans, who have labeled Boasberg a “radical activist” and called for his impeachment.

.@POTUS on Tren de Aragua: “They’re a group of thugs that… come from the prisons of Venezuela. They’re dangerous people, but they didn’t look so dangerous when the guards took care of the situation from El Salvador, and I want to thank the President, @nayibbukele.” pic.twitter.com/drg7XZolDC

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 21, 2025

Tren de Aragua originated in a Venezuelan prison and has since expanded across Central and South America, exploiting the U.S.-Mexico border during the previous administration’s policies to establish a presence in multiple American cities.

The Trump administration continues to prioritize the dismantling of violent international gangs operating within the U.S., as officials emphasize border security, immigration enforcement, and criminal accountability for non-citizens engaged in illicit activity.

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