Arrest of Venezuelan Gang Leader Sparks Tensions in Latin America

Fri Oct 03 2025 03:45:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

José Antonio Márquez Morales, a senior figure in the Tren de Aragua gang, was apprehended in Colombia, raising concerns over U.S.-Venezuela relations amid ongoing anti-drug trafficking operations.

José Antonio Márquez Morales, the alleged leader of the armed wing of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested in a multinational operation involving the U.S., Colombia, and the UK. His capture comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly related to the drug trade and accusations against President Nicolás Maduro. This incident could further complicate diplomatic efforts as U.S. authorities continue to pursue individuals linked to drug trafficking.

The alleged leader of Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua's armed wing has been captured in a joint operation involving Colombia, the US, and the UK.

Colombia's National Police stated that José Antonio Márquez Morales - known as Caracas - was arrested in Valledupar and is thought to have played a key role in managing the gang’s logistics and finances related to extortion, drug trafficking, and smuggling.

Tren de Aragua has been a focal point of U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking, with former President Trump labeling it a terrorist organization, resulting in the deportation of over 250 alleged members to a prison in El Salvador.

According to Colombia's National Police Director, Carlos Fernando Triana Beltrán, Márquez Morales was subject to an Interpol Red Notice, which is a request to detain individuals pending extradition.

The news of the arrest surfaces amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, fueled by Trump's administration's anti-drug trafficking initiatives in Latin America. The U.S. has increased its naval presence in the Caribbean and conducted bombings of vessels suspected of transporting drugs from Venezuela.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of colluding with drug cartels and has placed a bounty of $50 million for information leading to his capture. Maduro has firmly denied these allegations and defended his government's anti-drug trafficking operations.