In a recent law enforcement sweep, U.S. Marshals, along with ICE and local police forces, arrested Ricardo Gonzales, a reported high-ranking member of the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua, on multiple violent charges. Gonzales, 32, was apprehended in Cobb County, Georgia, and is facing extradition to Chicago, where he is wanted on kidnapping charges and is suspected of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

The arrest unfolded as a collaboration between the U.S. Marshal Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF), the USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Chicago Police Department. According to a Justice Department release, these incidents took place on January 28th, resulting in the deaths of two women and the escape of a third, who contacted authorities.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi highlighted the severity of Gonzales' alleged actions, remarking, “This defendant’s crimes against American women are horrific, and he is exactly the type of Alien Enemy the Trump administration is fighting to remove from this country in order to make America safe again.” Following the arrest in Georgia, five additional individuals were also detained, now in the custody of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

USMS Acting Director Mark Pittella commended the law enforcement agencies for their commitment to public safety, stating, “Every arrest contributes to safer communities and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the public.” Since launching in June 2003, the USMS SERFTF has worked in concert with various federal and state agencies to apprehend nearly 47,000 fugitives, aiming to decrease crime and bolster community safety.

The captured Gonzales is currently being held at a jail in Cobb County as he awaits the extradition process.