On February 5, 2025, a drug raid at V&R Auto and Collision in Woodside, Queens, led to the arrest of three individuals: Jose Tamaronis-Caldera, 27; Richard Garcia, 33; and Rafael Nieves, 54. Tamaronis-Caldera and Garcia are alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The trio faced felony drug and firearm charges following the operation.
Despite the severity of the initial charges, prosecutors subsequently reduced them, resulting in all three men being released without bail. This decision has sparked criticism, especially considering the violent reputation of Tren de Aragua, which has been linked to various criminal activities across multiple states.
This incident is part of a broader pattern where alleged members of Tren de Aragua have been arrested for serious offenses but later released. In October 2024, a suspected gang member was freed without bail on an attempted murder charge and was later implicated in the sex trafficking of a 15-year-old girl. Additionally, in November 2024, another alleged member, previously ordered deported, was arrested in a drug bust.
The presence of Tren de Aragua in the United States has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies. The gang, originating from Venezuela, has reportedly expanded its operations into the U.S., engaging in activities such as theft, extortion, and human trafficking. Authorities continue to monitor and address the influence of such transnational criminal organizations within the country.