Four members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA) have pleaded guilty to a double murder in the Bronx, New York City, that occurred in May 2024.
Keiber Jaen Martinez, Samuel Gonzalez Castro, Eferson Gabriel Morillo-Gomez, and Keineyer Ibarra-Mujica, all identified as illegal aliens from Venezuela, entered guilty pleas on May 26. They were charged with two counts of murder through the use of a firearm, attempted murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The victims were identified as 44-year-old Claretha Daniels and 36-year-old Justin Lawless.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, "I’m thankful that the victims and their families of these heinous acts finally get the justice they deserve." He added that all four gang members entered the U.S. under the Biden Administration, describing Tren de Aragua as "one of the most vicious gangs on planet earth."
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment, stating, "Tren de Aragua is a terrorist organization with no place and no future in the United States, and this Department of Justice will not stop until we have rooted out, dismantled and destroyed them." Immigration Judges have issued final orders of removal for Martinez, Castro, and Ibarra-Mujica, with dates set for later in 2024.