Recently, authorities in the United States confirmed the capture of an important member of the Tren de Aragua, known as ‘El Turko’. This man, identified as Rafael Gámez Salas, is accused of being the main responsible for the murder of former Venezuelan military officer Ronald Ojeda in Santiago, Chile.
Capture in Texas
‘El Turko’ was arrested on December 30 in the state of Texas, thanks to a joint effort between security agencies from different countries.
According to information from Chilean authorities, the arrest was part of a broader operation to dismantle a cell of the Tren de Aragua, known as Los Piratas de Aragua, in the same region where Ojeda’s body was found.
Serious Charges Against Him
‘El Turko’ faces several charges, including human trafficking, particularly of minors, and his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Ronald Ojeda.
Hassel Barrientos, subprefect and head of the BIPE Anti-Kidnapping division of the Chilean Investigative Police, explained that the capture occurred thanks to international coordination between security forces. Barrientos also mentioned other kidnapping and homicide crimes linked to the detainee that occurred between 2023 and 2024 in Chile.
Dual Identity and Escape to the United States
‘El Turko’ held two passports: one from Venezuela and another from Colombia, which allowed him to move easily. It is believed that his origin is from Caracas, Venezuela, according to data obtained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After Ojeda’s murder, ‘El Turko’ left Chile and traveled to Texas, where he lived with his family.
Involvement in Terrorist Groups
The United States confirmed the arrest of alias ‘El Turko,’ identified as the leader of the ‘Los Piratas’ faction of the ‘Tren de Aragua,’ who is also believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of Lieutenant Ronald Ojeda in Chile https://t.co/CXyaotiWqb pic.twitter.com/4m4BwqPSe5
— NTN24 (@NTN24) January 22, 2025
The Tren de Aragua is a criminal organization that was classified as a terrorist group by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also issued an executive order to deport undocumented migrants responsible for serious crimes. This designation was a major blow to the gang, which operates in several countries across Latin America.
Extradition to Chile
Now, Chilean authorities are working to achieve the extradition of ‘El Turko,’ so he can face justice in Chile for his crimes. The capture of this leader of the Tren de Aragua is another step in the fight against the violence of criminal gangs operating in Latin America and beyond.
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