TCT-IMM-022 · Immigration
Maduro directed Tren de Aragua’s migration and “irregular warfare” in the U.S.
Statement and context
TdA “operates in conjunction with … the Nicolas Maduro regime” and “has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States” to support Maduro’s destabilization goal.
2025-03-15, presidential proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
What the evidence shows
A declassified National Intelligence Council assessment concluded that, although Venezuela’s permissive environment enables TdA and some mid- or low-level officials may have ties to members, the Maduro regime “probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA” and is not directing its movement to or operations in the United States. Most intelligence-community analysts found reporting of senior regime direction not credible without corroboration. FBI analysts agreed with the broad assessment but assessed that some Venezuelan officials facilitated members’ migration and might use proxies. That caveat supports concern about some official contacts, not the proclamation’s sweeping direction-and-invasion proposition.
Unsupported
Sources and attribution
Tracker research synthesis; inspect the linked evidence and research record.