Pedro Rafael Cartaya-Rojas/Venezuela/Tren de Aragua Member

On March 5, 2025, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Denver arrested Pedro Rafael Cartaya-Rojas, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national, during targeted enforcement operations in Colorado Springs. Cartaya-Rojas had unlawfully entered the United States on November 20, 2023, and was placed into the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program shortly after. However, he later absconded, violating the conditions of his supervision.

Cartaya-Rojas is a confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent transnational criminal organization known for its involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent offenses across South and Central America. His affiliation with this gang significantly elevated his risk profile and prompted ICE to take swift action to locate and detain him.

Following an extensive effort to track him down, ICE agents apprehended Cartaya-Rojas without incident. Officers confirmed his absconding status and gang ties during processing, and he was immediately transferred to a secure detention facility in Colorado. Due to the serious nature of his background and his evasion of monitoring, Cartaya-Rojas will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

ICE officials continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of individuals affiliated with transnational criminal organizations who pose a threat to public safety.