Intelligence Report Finds Minimal Ties Between Maduro, Tren de Aragua

The ODNI report could have ramifications on the administration’s efforts to deport gang members using the Alien Enemies Act.

Peruvian police carry out the transfer of several members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization in Lima on Oct. 5, 2023. Cris Bouroncle/AFP via Getty Images

A National Intelligence Council report released to the public on May 6 seems to contradict President Donald Trump’s claims that the gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) is coordinating with the Venezuelan socialist regime, a claim that has been key to Trump’s efforts to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against the group.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence report specifically found, “While Venezuela’s permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States.”