Colombia, US Celebrate Capture of Senior Tren de Aragua Leader

Colombian security forces have apprehended Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, a high-ranking leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Identified as the main leader of the group in Peru, Nieto is sought for multiple serious crimes including extortion, homicide, and trafficking. Tren de Aragua, originating from a Venezuelan prison, has expanded across Latin America and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government in 2025.

• Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, a senior Tren de Aragua leader, was captured by Colombian security forces.
• Nieto, also known as Páez and Nairobi, is considered the main leader of Tren de Aragua in Peru.
• He is wanted for extortion, homicide, and arms and drug trafficking.
• Tren de Aragua originated in Venezuela’s Tocorón prison and has spread to other Latin American countries.
• The U.S. government designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization in 2025.
• Nieto reportedly served as a confidant to Tren de Aragua founder Héctor Guerrero Flores.