NYC Drug Bust Nets Venezuelan Gang Members, Including Previously Ordered Deportation

A major drug and gun bust in New York City has led to the arrest of 15 suspected members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Among those arrested were Edison Pena Angulo, 25, and Denyeer Aramillo Meneses, 23, who had both previously been ordered deported.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/edilson-yoel-pena-angulo-25-94452340_e0bb3f.jpg?w=581" alt="Edison Pena Angulo">

Angulo, who had illegally crossed the US border in 2023, was released due to overcrowded ICE facilities. Upon his release, he allegedly joined Meneses, also an illegal immigrant released due to overcrowding, in criminal activity.

Connection to Colorado Apartment Takeover

Both Angulo and Meneses are also suspects in an armed takeover of an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, as seen in this image:

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/city-aurora-colorado-announced-clear-94451736.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aurora, Colorado Apartment Building">

The six-month investigation into the gang's activities revealed a drug operation spanning from the Bronx to lower Manhattan.

Arsenal of Weapons Seized

The raid resulted in the seizure of a significant arsenal of weapons, including three assault rifles. Here's a look at some of the weapons confiscated:

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/tda-arrests-2-men-tied-94450389_475d46.jpg?w=768" alt="Seized Weapons">

The gang is also suspected of credit card fraud and other violent crimes. At least two additional suspects, Jhonkennedy Bravo-Castro and Carlos Chivico Medina, were previously arrested on unrelated charges. The federal indictment remains sealed.

The arrests highlight concerns about overcrowding in ICE facilities and the challenges of deporting individuals who have been ordered removed.