In a significant bust, five individuals tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang were arrested in central Florida for a string of liquor store thefts.
Quick Takes
- Five suspected members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang were arrested in Central Florida.
- The gang is linked to over $30,000 in liquor thefts.
- Law enforcement seeks President Trump’s aid for their expedited deportation.
- Complex intersecting issues of immigration, crime, and deportation legalities emerge.
Arrests and Charges
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang in connection with liquor store thefts in Central Florida. This includes Franklin Jimenez-Bracho, a known gang member wanted by Interpol on charges including extortion and human trafficking. Law enforcement discovered that the group’s alleged crimes resulted in an estimated $30,000 in damages to several businesses, significantly impacting local retailers.
During a March robbery attempt, the suspects targeted $3,200 worth of high-value liquor. They now face charges under enhanced state laws that tie their immigration status to first-degree felonies and racketeering, reflecting the severity of their alleged criminal activities and possible added legal burdens due to immigration violations.
MUST WATCH: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd puts illegal immigrant and Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gangbanger on blast after the man broke down and started crying like a baby after being arrested for robbing more than three dozen liquor stores across central Florida. “At one point… pic.twitter.com/xIkKvrcmhG
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) April 20, 2025
Legal and Political Implications
The involvement of noncitizens in these crimes has drawn federal attention under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The administration is treating the Tren de Aragua gang members as an invading force, applying the Alien Enemies Act to deport these individuals. The Act allows for the deportation of noncitizens during wartime, though its usage in this context has sparked controversy and criticism from those concerned about immigrant rights.
The Trump administration’s Operation Aurora aims to rapidly deport members of Venezuelan immigrant gangs using this authority, despite a federal judge’s order to halt such moves. The Supreme Court ruled against the use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations, siding with civil rights groups who argue against the circumvention of due process rights.
Broader Context and Future Actions
Tren de Aragua emerged from a Venezuelan prison and expanded across the Americas, linked with criminal activities, including sex trafficking. This group’s reach into the United States is reportedly expanding, with identified members in at least 14 states. Such developments emphasize the need for careful consideration of national security and immigration policies, balancing safety and civil liberties.
“Look, there’s various methods. I’ve noticed in the media people saying, ‘They don’t have criminal histories.’ Well, a lot of gang members don’t have criminal histories, just like a lot of terrorists in this world — they’re not in any terrorist database, right?” explained Tom Homan.
Local authorities in Florida, like those in other affected states, continue to coordinate with federal agencies. The complexity surrounding gang violence, immigration policy, and the legal frameworks involved requires a strategic and judicious approach. The Sheriff’s Office’s call for swift federal action underscores the urgency to address cross-national criminal networks effectively and justly.
