In a Montana operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested six alleged members of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan criminal organization. According to KRTV, the arrests took place on February 12, 2025, in Bozeman and Belgrade, Gallatin County.
The operation, part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal groups in the U.S., involved ICE, the DEA, and the ATF. HSI Denver, the Homeland Security Investigations office, reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, stating that they will continue to arrest those who pose a threat to communities.
Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lensing and Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer confirmed that authorities have taken steps to prevent Tren de Aragua from establishing a presence in the area. So far, no violent incidents linked to the gang have been reported in the region.
Tren de Aragua originated as a prison gang in Venezuela and has since evolved into an international criminal network engaged in human trafficking, illegal mining, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking. Its growing presence in the U.S. has raised alarms among authorities.
While officials have not disclosed where the suspects are being held, Springer confirmed they are not in the Gallatin County jail.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte thanked law enforcement for their efforts, attributing the success of the operation to President Donald Trump’s security policies while criticizing Joe Biden’s border management.
The arrest of these six suspects highlights the expanding threat of Tren de Aragua beyond Latin America and the need for strong international cooperation to combat it.
