A member of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang released by Chicago judge despite ICE request
A member of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang was released by a Chicago judge despite a request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain him — just a month before he was charged in a violent jewelry store heist in Denver, The Post can reveal.
Arrest and Charges
Jean Torres-Roman was arrested this month in the shocking caught-on-camera robbery from June 25, in which two female staffers at a Denver jewelry store were pistol-whipped and threatened with death. Authorities have since identified the 21-year-old as a member of the Venezuelan prison gang.
Just a month earlier, Torres-Roman was arrested over 1,000 miles away in Chicago and charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was caught trying to stash a stolen gun, according to CWB Chicago.
Previous Arrest and Release
Cops busted him on May 5 after a gas station security guard reported hearing gunshots and spotted Torres-Roman running from the gunfire while holding a gun.
Security footage showed three men walking away from a parked car before Torres-Roman could be seen running back to the vehicle holding his waist, CWB Chicago reported.
After the arrest, ICE lodged a detainer, informing local law enforcement that it planned to take him into custody. However, Cook County Judge David Kelly ordered his release, flouting ICE’s wishes.
Crime Spree
After being cut loose, Torres-Roman fled to Denver, where he and seven others carried out the brutal jewelry store robbery. Following the heist, Torres-Roman fled to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he was caught by federal authorities.
Authorities’ Concerns
Meanwhile, federal and local law enforcement sources across the country received an alert this month warning them of Tren de Aragua giving its members a “green light” to attack and shoot cops. The gang has started to gain a foothold in the US amid the border crisis.
Continued Criminal Activities
In New York City, the gang’s activities have been tied to multiple crimes, including a shooting incident involving NYPD cops and gun smuggling into migrant shelters. Torres-Roman is currently being held on a $1 million bond and is facing charges related to the Denver jewelry store heist.
He also has a US Marshals’ hold on his case.
