Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has extended an offer to assist the Trump administration in locating the leaders of the Tren de Aragua drug cartel. This proposal comes as the United States has deployed military forces to conduct anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, with reports indicating the destruction of vessels carrying suspected criminals.
Maduro’s outreach is an effort to reinitiate dialogue with Washington, where troops and warships are gathering near Venezuelan waters. Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, disclosed that Maduro expressed willingness to aid in tracking down the most wanted figures within Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang with operations spanning multiple countries across the Americas. This gang has become a significant concern for officials in the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, Maduro conveyed this proposal to U.S. envoy Ric Grenell and included a letter directed at President Trump advocating for direct conversations to alleviate existing tensions. In the correspondence, Maduro asserted that Venezuela does not significantly contribute to illegal drug shipments bound for the United States.
In the letter, Maduro mentioned, “I respectfully invite you, President, to promote peace through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding throughout the hemisphere.” However, neither Venezuela’s Information Ministry nor Grenell provided comments when approached for clarification on the matter. Grenell did indicate in a CBS News interview that he continues to be in contact with Maduro’s team but did not provide further details.
A White House official countered Maduro’s claims, stating, “The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela; it is a narco-terror cartel, and Maduro is not a legitimate president.” The official reaffirmed the administration’s stance of “maximum pressure” on the Maduro regime, emphasizing that no negotiations would take place that could benefit the government.
Tren de Aragua has expanded its activities beyond Venezuela to countries such as Canada and Chile, engaging in criminal operations including extortion, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking, prostitution, illegal mining, robbery, and kidnapping. Some of its top leaders are believed to reside outside of Venezuela.
Venezuelan constitutional law complicates matters, as it prohibits the extradition of its citizens, potentially limiting Maduro’s options for dealing with the gang’s leadership. The gang’s primary leader, Héctor “Niño” Guerrero, has family ties to individuals recently arrested in Spain.
The Trump administration has targeted Venezuelans alleged to be affiliated with Tren de Aragua, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the transfer of detainees to El Salvador earlier this year. Recent U.S. military operations against vessels it accuses of smuggling drugs from Venezuela have reportedly resulted in at least 14 fatalities.
Despite ongoing tensions, Maduro has committed to facilitating deportation flights from the U.S. to Caracas, with over 13,000 Venezuelan nationals having returned since January, following Grenell’s involvement in revitalizing the program. Additionally, Chevron Corp. retains a license to explore and export oil from Venezuela.
