Opposition Party Supports Trump's Decision to Attack Tren de Aragua Leader
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Venezuelan opposition party Primero Justicia (PJ) supports the U.S. decision to eliminate Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Guerrero.
- PJ acknowledged international allies for their efforts in combating organized crime, which they state has harmed Venezuela and the region.
- The party emphasized the urgency of democratic transition in Venezuela to dismantle organized crime and restore institutional order.
The Venezuelan opposition party Primero Justicia (PJ) has publicly endorsed the U.S. government's decisive action against Héctor Guerrero, the alleged leader of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua. PJ lauded President Donald Trump's "firm decision" to execute Guerrero, an operation that was reportedly supported by the Venezuelan government.
In a statement on social media platform X, PJ expressed "recognition to international allies for their efforts to ensure the security of the hemisphere, supporting the vision of a Venezuela free from organized crime that has caused so much damage" to the country and the region. The party characterized the Tren de Aragua, which originated in Venezuela, as a "mega-band" that has not only damaged the image of Venezuelan migration but also spread "terrorism and delinquency throughout the continent."
Primero Justicia stressed the "urgent" need for a democratic transition in Venezuela to definitively dismantle the organized mafias they claim are controlling strategic spaces. The party asserted that restoring institutionalism and the powers of the state is imperative to ensure justice becomes the pillar of democracy, thereby enabling the foundation of a "prosperous and secure nation."
Guerrero, also known as "Niño Guerrero," was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2025. The U.S. government accuses him of transforming a prison gang focused on extortion and bribery into a continental criminal enterprise. He had been a fugitive since 2023, following an operation by Venezuelan authorities at the Tocorón prison, considered the organization's operational base.
According to Trump, the operation was coordinated with "friends in Venezuela," with whom collaboration is described as "excellent." The Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the operation utilized specialized technological support and intelligence cooperation between the two countries, which re-established diplomatic relations in March after a seven-year rupture.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.