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U.S. Expands Sanctions on Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, Naming Entertainer 'Rosita'

The U.S. Treasury on Dec. 3 expanded sanctions against Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, designating entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro ("Rosita") and several alleged associates for purportedly supporting the gang. Officials allege Rosita helped facilitate a 2012 prison escape by TdA's alleged leader and that some revenue from her performances was funneled to the group. The move comes amid increased U.S. military activity in the region and renewed diplomatic tensions with Caracas.

01:33 AM, 12/04/2025Security
U.S. Expands Sanctions on Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, Naming Entertainer 'Rosita'

On Dec. 3, the U.S. Treasury broadened sanctions tied to Venezuela's Tren de Aragua (TdA), targeting alleged members of the criminal organization and naming popular Venezuelan entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro — known as "Rosita" — as part of the measures.

Key details

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Rosita as a member of a five-person network in the entertainment sector that U.S. officials allege provided financial and logistical support to TdA. Treasury officials say the group's narcotrafficking and human-smuggling activities have "long posed a grave threat" to the United States.

Alongside Rosita, OFAC designated alleged co-conspirators Kenffersso Jhosue Sevilla Arteaga, Richard Jose Espinal Quintero, Noe Manases Aponte Cordova, Asdrubal Rafael Escobar Cabrera and Cheison Royer Guerrero Palma.

Allegations against Rosita

Authorities say Rosita — a 42-year-old DJ, actress and model with a large social media following — was romantically linked to TdA leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as "Nino Guerrero." U.S. officials allege she helped facilitate his escape from Venezuela's Tocoron prison in 2012 and that some revenue from her performances was funneled to TdA leadership.

Treasury officials further allege Rosita regularly performed at nightclubs in Colombia, including the Maiquetia VIP Bar Restaurant, which they say is owned by her former bodyguard and manager, Eryk Manuel Landaeta. They also list her as a shareholder and president of the Venezuela-based company Global Import Solutions S.A.

Wider context and reactions

The designations come amid heightened U.S. activity in the region. Officials say the U.S. military has increased deployments in Central and South America under the Pentagon operation dubbed "Operation Southern Spear," and U.S. forces have targeted vessels suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean.

In announcing the sanctions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration will "continue to use every tool to cut off these terrorists from the U.S. and global financial system and keep American citizens safe."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied wrongdoing, saying Venezuela is "at peace" and offering to engage in direct talks with U.S. representatives.

What this means

OFAC designations typically freeze any assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bar U.S. persons from dealing with those named. The latest sanctions signal continued U.S. pressure on groups and individuals the government links to transnational crime and corruption in Venezuela.

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