Chile cracks Tren de Aragua cell and probes labor trafficking at mining firm

Chile's police dismantled a cell of the transnational Tren de Aragua criminal gang in four central and southern regions, arresting 35 people—including Chilean and Venezuelan nationals—on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and illegal association. The operation, carried out by the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) and regional prosecutors, highlighted the gang's role in moving narcotics from northern entry points through the capital to the south. The Tren de Aragua, originally formed in Venezuelan prisons, has spread across several South American countries and was designated a terrorist organization by the United States.

In a separate coordinated effort, the Fiscalía del Tamarugal, PDI’s anti‑human‑trafficking unit, the Department of Migration, International Police in Iquique and the Dirección del Trabajo inspected a mining‑service company in Pozo Almonte. Interviews with more than 30 employees revealed that 26 were foreign nationals lacking proper work permits, prompting investigators to assess possible labor‑trafficking violations and ensure compliance with Chilean labor regulations.