The United States government has announced a new set of sanctions against individuals identified as part of Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, a group classified as a foreign terrorist organization. Among those targeted is Venezuelan entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, widely known as Rosita.
The U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that Rosita was allegedly connected to a group of five entertainment industry figures believed to have provided support to the gang. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that Tren de Araguas involvement in narcotrafficking and human smuggling has posed a significant threat to the United States.
Additional sanctions were imposed on individuals identified as associates of the criminal network, including Kenffersso Jhosue Sevilla Arteaga, Richard Jose Espinal Quintero, Noe Manases Aponte Cordova, Asdrubal Rafael Escobar Cabrera and Cheison Royer Guerrero Palma.
Rosita, a 42 year old DJ, actress and model with a substantial online following, was believed to have had a relationship with Tren de Aragua leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Nino Guerrero. Authorities allege she played a role in helping him, along with others, flee Tocoron prison in 2012.
According to the Treasury, Rosita performs regularly in nightclubs throughout Colombia, particularly at the Maiquetia VIP Bar Restaurant, owned by her former bodyguard and manager, Eryk Manuel Landaeta. Officials claim that some of the income generated from her performances was transferred to the gang's leadership. She is also listed as a shareholder and president of Global Import Solutions S A, a company based in Venezuela.
The United States has recently increased its military presence in Central and South America as part of Operation Southern Spear, deploying additional warships and thousands of personnel to the region. The administration has also targeted suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated that the country remains calm and open to dialogue with the United States. Meanwhile, Secretary Bessent affirmed that the administration intends to continue applying measures aimed at isolating designated terrorist groups from the U.S. and international financial systems.
