Federal agents arrested a Venezuelan national and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member after local authorities previously released him despite an ICE detainer tied to a pending felony assault case.
A suspected member of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua is back in federal custody after a joint operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service in western New York.
Jairo Antonio Molina Moron, 38, a Venezuelan national, was arrested May 24 in Albion by ICE Buffalo’s Fugitive Operations Team and deputy U.S. marshals, according to federal officials.
Authorities said Molina remains in ICE custody while immigration proceedings move forward.
Arrest Follows Pending Felony Assault Case
Federal officials said Molina currently faces a pending New York charge of felony assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon or instrument.
According to ICE, Molina was arrested by the Yonkers Police Department in February 2025 on the felony assault allegation.
After the arrest, ICE lodged an immigration detainer requesting notification before his release. Federal officials said the detainer was not honored and Molina was released back into the community.
ICE also stated that Molina had previously been arrested by the New York City Police Department in December 2024 on an assault charge, though those charges were later dropped.
Federal Authorities Cite Gang Concerns
ICE identified Molina as a suspected member of Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that originated in Venezuela and has drawn increasing attention from federal law enforcement agencies.
“Transnational criminal gang members are not welcome in New York,” said acting ICE New York Field Office Director Philip Rhoney.
“We will never waver in our resolve to ensure these criminal gang members are not free to terrorize New Yorkers,” Rhoney added.
Federal authorities have not announced any gang-related criminal charges against Molina.
Joint Federal Operation
The arrest was carried out through a coordinated effort involving ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service.
District of Western New York U.S. Marshal Charles Salina praised the cooperation between agencies.
“The arrest of Molina Moron is the product of teamwork, coordination and a relentless commitment to protecting communities through collaboration,” Salina said.
Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend individuals wanted on criminal charges or alleged to be in violation of federal immigration laws.
Immigration Proceedings Underway
According to ICE, Molina was paroled into the United States in 2023.
He is currently being held by federal immigration authorities pending the outcome of immigration proceedings.
As with all criminal defendants, Molina is presumed innocent of the pending assault charge unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• ICE and U.S. Marshals arrested a Venezuelan national and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member in Albion, New York.
• Jairo Antonio Molina Moron faces a pending felony assault charge in Yonkers.
• Federal officials said Molina was previously released after local authorities declined to honor an ICE detainer.
