Missoula, MT – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested six known members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA) in Gallatin County on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The arrests, which took place in the cities of Bozeman and Belgrade, were confirmed by local law enforcement officials, including Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lensing and Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.
The operation was carried out by special agents from the Denver office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which oversees law enforcement activities in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. While the specific details of the arrests have not been fully disclosed, the suspects are believed to be affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization known for its involvement in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking and human smuggling.
According to Sheriff Springer, the exact location where the arrested individuals are being detained remains unclear, as they are not currently being held at the Gallatin County Detention Center. However, authorities have confirmed that local law enforcement agencies, including the Belgrade Police Department, assisted in the operation.
Despite the high-profile nature of the arrests, Sheriff Springer emphasized that there have been no reported instances of violence connected to TdA in the region. He also noted that law enforcement agencies in Gallatin County have been actively working to prevent the organization from establishing a foothold in the area. “So far, our efforts have been successful in preventing any violent incidents,” said Springer. “We remain vigilant in ensuring this remains the case.”
This arrest marks the latest step in a concerted effort by local and federal law enforcement agencies to disrupt the activities of Tren de Aragua across the United States. The organization, which originated in Venezuela, has been expanding its operations in various parts of the U.S., prompting concerns among officials regarding its growing influence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the arrests and the ongoing efforts to curb TdA’s presence in Montana.
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available.
