The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Thursday that it has sanctioned Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as “Niño Guerrero,” the leader of the Venezuela-based criminal organization Tren de Aragua.
Five other senior members and affiliates of the group were also designated for sanctions.
Today, in line with President Trump’s policy of completely eliminating the cartels, @Treasury sanctioned six leaders and key affiliates of the terrorist cartel Tren de Aragua.
The Trump Administration will not allow Tren de Aragua to continue to terrorize our communities and…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 17, 2025
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Tren de Aragua was officially labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department on February 20.
The organization, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its presence throughout the Western Hemisphere and now includes thousands of members.
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The White House has previously stated that many of the gang’s members have unlawfully entered the United States and are “undertaking hostile actions against the United States.”
According to the Treasury Department, Guerrero, 42, played a central role in expanding Tren de Aragua from a prison gang involved in extortion and bribery into a transnational criminal organization engaged in violent and illicit activities across Latin America and beyond.
The group is accused of operating in drug trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, sexual exploitation of women and children, extortion, and money laundering.
“Today’s action highlights the critical role of leaders like Niño Guerrero and his lieutenants in Tren de Aragua’s efforts to increase its destabilizing influence throughout the region,” Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said in a press release.
“The Trump Administration will not allow Tren de Aragua to continue to terrorize our communities and harm innocent Americans,” Bessent continued.
“In line with President [Donald] Trump’s mandate to Make America Safe Again, Treasury remains dedicated to dismantling Tren de Aragua and disrupting the group’s campaign of violence.”
As part of the sanctions, the Treasury Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Guerrero.
Sanctions imposed block any property or interests in property the designated individuals may have within U.S. jurisdiction.
U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the individuals or entities unless specifically authorized.
Violations of the sanctions may lead to civil or criminal penalties. Foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for those designated risk secondary sanctions.
In addition to Guerrero, the following individuals were sanctioned:
Yohan Jose Romero, also known as “Johan Petrica”
Romero, 47, is reportedly a co-founder of Tren de Aragua and a close associate of Guerrero. He is accused of overseeing the gang’s illegal mining operations in Venezuela and of supplying the organization with military-grade weapons used to enforce control in the streets and in conflicts with Colombian guerrillas. The State Department has offered a $4 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Josue Angel Santana Pena, also known as “Santanita”
Pena, 30, is believed to have served prison time with Guerrero at Tocoron Prison, where he allegedly played a role in directing the gang’s activities from inside the facility. He is reportedly involved in a wide range of crimes including homicide, bombings, extortion, terrorism, and theft.
Wilmer Jose Perez Castillo, also known as “Wilmer Guayabal”
Castillo, 39, is said to be a lieutenant under Guerrero and leader of a Tren de Aragua cell that manages drug trafficking and bribe collection operations in Venezuela. He is accused of being directly involved in the killings of a police officer, a member of the Venezuelan military, and intelligence officials.
Wendy Marbelys Rios Gomez
Rios Gomez, 45, is Guerrero’s wife and is alleged to be involved in money laundering, terrorism, and terrorist financing linked to Tren de Aragua’s operations.
Felix Anner Castillo Rondon, also known as “Pure Arnel”
Castillo Rondon is believed to be the leader of a Tren de Aragua cell known as “Los Gallegos,” which is active in Chile. According to the Treasury Department, the cell is implicated in human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, sexual exploitation of women, homicides, and money laundering.
NEW: The Tren de Aragua kingpin and his key lieutenants have been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Dept.
Héctor “Niño” Guerrero essentially took #TdA from a prison gang in Venezuela… to a full-blown Foreign Terrorist Organization with tentacles across the Americas.
Here’s who… pic.twitter.com/wrRE7u1bjW
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) July 17, 2025
The U.S. government’s action reflects an ongoing effort to dismantle Tren de Aragua’s influence and disrupt its regional operations.
The Treasury Department emphasized that it will continue to coordinate with international partners to counter the group’s growing network.
