Tren de Aragua gang member captured in Florida

A suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang was arrested this week in Central Florida. Franklin Jimenez-Bracho, also known as "El Patalisa," was captured by federal authorities along with state law enforcement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest on Thursday. Jimenez-Bracho, 52, is wanted for serious crimes, including human trafficking and murder. He has been linked to the gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison. According to reports, he has been living in the United States for several years, particularly in Florida and Texas. He previously faced legal issues for traffic violations in Texas in 2023 but was released after paying his bail. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) worked with multiple agencies to apprehend him. The circumstances of his arrest remain unclear, including how the authorities located him. FDLE stated that Jimenez-Bracho is part of an ongoing investigation. Tren de Aragua has been targeted by the U.S. government for its criminal activities across the Americas. In a recent proclamation, former President Donald Trump classified the gang as a terrorist organization. Governor DeSantis claimed that Jimenez-Bracho's arrest was the first under the Alien Enemies Act invoked by Trump. Venezuelan news reports indicate that Jimenez-Bracho has been sought by Interpol since 2021. He is accused of being involved in the 2021 murders of his wife and her cousin. Despite this, his profile is no longer listed among Interpol's wanted criminals. DeSantis expressed pride in Florida's efforts to apprehend undocumented immigrants and suspected gang members. However, it is debated whether Jimenez-Bracho's arrest is truly the first under the Alien Enemies Act. Critics have raised concerns about the treatment of Venezuelans deported under this law, with many insisting they have no ties to the gang.