Eight Arrested in Multi-State Sex Trafficking Ring Linked to Venezuelan Gang
Federal prosecutors have arrested eight illegal immigrants from Venezuela for allegedly running a multi-state sex trafficking operation connected to the infamous Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. The arrests were made in Tennessee and Texas, as revealed by officials during a press conference on Tuesday.
The suspects reportedly lured women from South America to the United States, promising them jobs and better lives. However, upon arrival, the women were forced into prostitution to repay enormous debts they incurred for entering the country illegally, according to the indictment.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert McGuire, said, “Once the victims were here and far from home, they were bullied, intimidated, and threatened to have sex with total strangers.”
Exploitation and Threats
Some victims reportedly had their children and immigration documents taken as leverage to ensure compliance. The ring was allegedly run by a mother-son duo, Yilibeth Del Carmen Rivero-Del Caldera and Klebier Daniel Mota Rivero, who used their connections to the Tren de Aragua gang to intimidate the women. The gang’s reputation for violence and organized crime was weaponized to maintain control over the victims.
The two other adult sons of Caldera were also among those arrested, with five suspects detained in Tennessee and three in Texas. Authorities disclosed that all eight individuals were in the U.S. illegally.
Gun Charges and Criminal Ties
Klebier Daniel Mota Rivero faces additional charges for possessing a Glock 9mm pistol despite being an illegal immigrant. Federal prosecutors stressed that the defendants exploited vulnerable women who were desperate for a better life, taking advantage of their situation to force them into sex work.
David B. Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, spoke firmly against such criminal activities. “We will not stand by and allow TdA or any criminal organization to get a stronghold in Tennessee,” he stated. “We will dismantle them and work with every tool under the law to hold these violent criminals accountable.”
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The arrests were made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement. The federal indictment emphasizes the need for a robust crackdown on organized crime groups exploiting vulnerable individuals.
This case highlights the growing concern over the involvement of international gangs like Tren de Aragua in cross-border crimes, including sex trafficking, drug smuggling, and violence. Authorities have vowed to pursue these offenders relentlessly to protect communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
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