Massive Takedown in Houston: Anti-Tren Criminal Organization Targeted in Drug and Weapons Bust

HOUSTON, June 30, 2025 – In a significant blow to transnational crime, a multi-agency law enforcement operation in Houston has led to the arrest of several foreign nationals, primarily Venezuelan, allegedly tied to the Anti-Tren criminal organization. The group, accused of drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and violent crimes, including a mass shooting, now faces federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Most of the defendants are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m. today.

Anti-Tren: A New Threat Emerges

The Anti-Tren organization, reportedly composed largely of former members and associates of the notorious Tren de Aragua (TdA), is accused of engaging in a violent turf war with TdA to preserve and expand its power and territory. According to court documents, Anti-Tren’s activities include attempted murder, violent acts, and threats, alongside trafficking firearms and controlled substances to enrich its members.

“This case implicates both securing our border and the eradication of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Operation Take Back America means going on the offensive against transnational criminal organizations to ensure they cannot take root in our community and endanger public safety. SDTX is going to be unapologetic in carrying out that mission.”

Charges and Allegations

Two criminal complaints charge 14 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. The defendants include:

• Luis Miguel Claros Sarmiento, 26

• Dany E. Rojas, 28

• Ismael Leon Belbin, 24

• Andy Luis Alvarez Herrera, 28

• Cesar Oskeiber Cabezas Pacheco, 26

• Cesar Mauricio Velasquez, 27

• Raul Armando Ramirez Correa, 24

• Darwin Martinez, 37

• Peter Davila, 34

• Otis Jose Rodriguez Garcia, 31

• Pedro Hernandez Delgado, 19

• Jesus F. Fernandez Troconiz, 26

• Embeer J. Gutierrez Ternawskyj, 24

• Raul Antonio Claros Sarmiento, 30 (Honduras)

The complaints allege that two groups within Anti-Tren agreed to transport large quantities of cocaine for $15,000 per load, with half paid in advance. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison and a potential $10 million fine.

Additionally, Correa, Ternawskyj, Garcia, Delgado, and Pedro Jose Ramirez Delgado, 26, face separate weapons charges for alleged possession and sale of firearms, carrying a potential 15-year sentence if convicted.

Mass Shooting Connection

Jose Miguel Briceno, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national illegally residing in Houston, faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien. Authorities allege Briceno was involved in a March 2025 mass shooting at Latinas Sports Bar in Houston, where six people were wounded, four critically. According to the complaint, Briceno fired a weapon inside the bar’s doorway and discarded the firearm, which has not been recovered. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“These arrests are the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI so far, and they happened right here in Houston,” said Douglas Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office. “These individuals are accused of engaging in a turf war with TdA members and carrying out numerous violent crimes throughout our city.”

Multi-Agency Operation

The investigation was led by the FBI Houston Field Office, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz, alongside Jason Harley from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV).

Operation Take Back America

This operation is part of the broader Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels, and eliminating transnational criminal organizations. The effort leverages resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods to protect communities from violent crime.

JTFV, originally established to combat MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA, includes U.S. Attorney’s Offices across multiple districts and key law enforcement partners such as the FBI, DEA, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, and others. The task force’s coordinated efforts underscore a commitment to disrupting the operations of violent criminal organizations like Anti-Tren.

A Step Toward Safer Communities

The arrests mark a significant step in curbing the influence of transnational criminal organizations in Houston. With Anti-Tren’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and violent acts, including the Latinas Sports Bar shooting, law enforcement’s swift action aims to restore safety and security to the community.

As the legal process unfolds, the defendants face severe penalties, reflecting the government’s resolve to hold accountable those who threaten public safety. The Southern District of Texas, alongside its federal and local partners, remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and protect the region from the scourge of organized crime.