ICE HSI assists Peru’s National Police in large joint operation to arrest Tren de Aragua members

LIMA, Peru – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement supported the National Police of Peru in Lima to arrest and dismantle the illicit activities of Tren de Aragua members in the country, Feb. 7.

Members of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Lima and the ICE HSI Transnational Criminal Investigations Unit supported more than 300 National Police of Peru officers from the Directorate Against Human Trafficking and Illicit Migrant Trafficking in an operation which targeted at least eight specific locations in Santa Anita, San Martin de Porres, and Puente Piedra in Lima, Peru. Approximately 23 individuals suspected of being involved with a human trafficking network were arrested, and more than 80 human trafficking victims were rescued, including three minors.

“Peru is a dedicated partner in the fight against transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said ICE HSI Lima Attaché Paul Salamon. “Together, ICE HSI and the National Police of Peru are protecting our nations to ensure the safety of our citizens,”

“Last night, an operation was carried out with the support of ICE HSI Lima to dismantle the remnants of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua in various districts in Peru,” said National Police of Peru General Aldo Juan Ávila Novoa from the Directorate Against Human Trafficking and Illicit Migrant Trafficking. “We have deployed a force of 300 police officers from specialized units and the Shock Force, such as the National Division of Special Operations and the GRECCO group.”

“Transnational criminal organizations have no place in the strong, secure and prosperous region we are building with our partners,” said U.S. Ambassador to Peru Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath. “The success of this operation, led by the Peruvian National Police with the support of the United States, is a testament to the great work we can accomplish together to improve the security of our citizens and our shared region.”

Members of the public with information related to criminal activities of transnational organizations can submit an anonymous tip by calling 877-4-HSI-TIP.