MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexican authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of six suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang in Mexico City. The arrests were part of an ongoing crackdown on crimes associated with drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking.

The report of these arrests came shortly after a discussion between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding their countries' collaborative efforts against drug cartels. The ongoing dialogue highlights the international focus on combating organized crime in the region.

Designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration in 2022, the Tren de Aragua gang has been linked to the now-deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. government has also been active in targeting vessels in the Caribbean that are believed to be transporting drugs on behalf of the gang. This designation underscores the perceived threat posed by the gang not only to countries in Latin America but also to the United States.

Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Secretary, revealed details of the arrests via social media, although he withheld information about the nationalities of those detained. The individuals arrested included one woman and five men, who were taken into custody following extensive surveillance operations on multiple buildings within the capital city of Mexico.

During the operation, authorities seized a quantity of drugs, a firearm, and a notebook that recorded extortion activities in the city. These items provided a glimpse into the gang's operations and the extent of their criminal activities within Mexico.

The Tren de Aragua gang originated over a decade ago in a Venezuelan prison and has since gained infamy as a significant player in organized crime in Latin America. The gang's influence has expanded in recent years, coinciding with the mass migration of nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have fled economic hardships and political instability in their home country. Many of these migrants have sought refuge in other Latin American nations or the United States, further complicating the regional security landscape.

The activities and expansion of the Tren de Aragua gang continue to attract attention from law enforcement agencies in both Mexico and the U.S., emphasizing the necessity for ongoing cooperation in countering the pervasive threats posed by organized crime networks.