Chicago Party Murders Traced to Venezuelan Tren de Aragua Gang, ICE Steps In

Federal immigration authorities have arrested two suspected shooters and 16 associates tied to a deadly December 2024 mass shooting in Chicago, all linked to the violent Venezuelan-based criminal network Tren de Aragua (TdA), which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration, as reported by The Center Square.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago, in coordination with multiple federal agencies, arrested suspected shooter Edward Martinez Cermeno in January 2025.

Martinez Cermeno, a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, in 2023.

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He was initially released following a detention hearing in Illinois but was re-arrested by ICE agents for unlawful presence in the U.S. He is currently in federal custody and faces criminal charges for illegal entry.

A second suspect, 25-year-old Ricardo Granadillo Padilla, was arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina, on February 8.

ICE HSI agents from Chicago and Raleigh, along with Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol Tactical Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, and CBP Air and Marine Operations, carried out the arrest.

Padilla had previously entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso, Texas, in 2022 and was sentenced in March for illegal entry. He remains in federal custody.

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Authorities say the two men were involved in the Dec. 2, 2024, shooting at a house party in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, which left eight people shot and three dead.

The event was primarily attended by Venezuelan nationals. Chicago Police had reportedly responded to the residence several times before the shooting, but no arrests were made at that time.

During Padilla’s arrest, agents recovered firearms, high-capacity magazines, narcotics, fraudulent documents, a pistol, and ammunition. Other TdA members encountered during the arrest were also taken into custody.

Over recent weeks, ICE HSI Chicago has arrested 16 more TdA members and associates in connection with the incident on immigration charges.

The Center Square reports that under the Trump administration, illegal entry and reentry offenses are being actively prosecuted. Illegal reentry by individuals with felony records can carry up to 10 years in prison, and those convicted of aggravated felonies face up to 20 years.

Federal prosecutors may also seek the death penalty in cases involving capital crimes or the killing of law enforcement officers.

The Biden administration’s prior parole and temporary protected status (TPS) programs for Venezuelans have been revoked by the Trump administration.

President Trump also invoked the Alien Enemies Act to fast-track deportations of TdA members, though legal challenges have delayed implementation.

TdA activity has been reported in at least 22 states, with Chicago emerging as a hotspot. A review of local police data showed numerous arrests of TdA members for violent offenses, according to America First Legal.

Fox 32 News also reported that TdA’s presence has contributed to escalating turf conflicts with local Black gangs on the city’s south side.

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