Federal agents say a Venezuelan national and confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua gang was taken into custody after arriving on a domestic flight.
Newark, NJ – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a Venezuelan national and alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang during an enforcement operation at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jeandrik Gabriel Graterol Reyes, who officials say is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who entered the United States in 2023.
Key Points
• ICE arrested alleged Tren de Aragua gang member at Newark Liberty Airport
• Suspect identified as Jeandrik Gabriel Graterol Reyes, a Venezuelan national
• He remains in federal custody pending immigration removal proceedings
Arrest followed airport investigation
The arrest took place March 8 during a targeted enforcement operation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations Newark and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Investigators said the Newark Airport Group began looking into Graterol Reyes after receiving information that he would be arriving on an inbound domestic flight from Orlando. Agents located and detained him at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Criminal history cited by authorities
According to ICE officials, Graterol Reyes has a criminal history that includes a cocaine-related conviction. Authorities also identified him as an active member of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan transnational criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent crimes. (Wikipedia)
Multiple agencies assisted in operation
ICE said the arrest involved cooperation from several federal agencies and divisions. The investigation and enforcement effort included assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations’ Fugitive Operations team, the agency’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, and the Transportation Security Administration’s Federal Air Marshal Service.
Graterol Reyes remains in ICE custody while immigration removal proceedings move forward.